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Pennsylvania lawmakers took a major step this week toward closing longstanding loopholes in the state’s smoking ban, advancing legislation that could permanently snuff out indoor smoking in casinos.
On Tuesday, the House Health Committee voted 22-4 to approve House Bill 880, known as the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), would update Pennsylvania’s 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act by extending its smoking restrictions to venues that were previously exempt, including casinos, certain bars, and private clubs. Frankel said after the vote:
“There’s nothing partisan about this – Democrats and Republicans agree that a blackjack dealer’s lungs deserve the same protection as an office worker’s.”
Closing loopholes in the law
The 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act carved out exemptions that allowed smoking in specific venues, most notably casinos, cigar bars, and private clubs. Frankel’s proposal would largely eliminate those exemptions, while also updating the law to explicitly include e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
Under HB 880, cigar bars, outdoor patios, and home offices would remain exempt. Private clubs could permit smoking only if employees and the full membership vote in favor of the policy every two years.
Local governments would also gain the authority to pass stricter smoke-free ordinances than the state standard. In addition, a bipartisan amendment passed 25-1 in committee to prohibit smoking at bus stops.
Economic and public health data
Frankel pointed to years of public health research and smoking trends that strengthen the case for a broader ban. Only about 20% of Pennsylvanians smoke, according to recent surveys.
“Only two in 10 Pennsylvanians smoke at this point – and going out in Pennsylvania shouldn’t feel like taking a time machine to a long-gone era before the science made clear that smoking was deadly,” Frankel said.
Concerns that smoking bans would hurt businesses have not played out, he added. Instead, many establishments report stable or improved business as nonsmoking environments attract more customers.
Casinos in focus
Casinos, where smoking has long been permitted on gaming floors, are a central focus of the bill. Parx Casino in Bucks County, Pennsylvania’s top revenue-generating casino, went smoke-free during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained that way voluntarily.
Marc Oppenheimer, Parx’s chief operating officer, has said the decision boosted employee morale, lowered healthcare costs, and attracted new patrons who prefer a smoke-free environment.
If passed, the legislation would bring the rest of the state’s casinos in line with Parx’s policy, a move health advocates say would protect thousands of workers and customers from secondhand smoke.
Next steps
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. In the Senate, Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) has introduced a companion bill. With bipartisan support in committee, the proposal could gain momentum during floor debates this fall.
