OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5608

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF LIQUOR PERMITS TO CASINOS THAT PERMIT SMOKING IN SUCH PREMISES.

SUMMARY:

The bill prohibits smoking in any area of an establishment operating with a casino permit beginning October 1, 2011.

Before this date, the bill prohibits the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) from issuing or renewing a casino permit on behalf of a tribally owned casino unless the permit applicant or permittee has entered into a written agreement with the governor on the reduction, removal, and monitoring of secondhand smoke on the permitted premises.

The agreement must include terms on (1) designated nonsmoking areas within the permitted premises, (2) designated nonsmoking and smoking area signs, (3) state-of-the-art ventilation and design for designated smoking areas, (4) employee accommodations, (5) smoking cessation on the permitted premises by October 1, 2011, and (6) other terms mutually agreed upon by the parties.

Under the bill, if the governor believes that substantial progress has been reached in achieving an agreement, she may provide written notification to the DCP commissioner, and the department may issue a casino permit if the application meets the law's requirements for issuing liquor permits.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009 for the provisions on the written agreement and issuance of a casino permit; October 1, 2011 for the smoking ban.

CASINO PERMIT AND SMOKING PROHIBITION

The bill prohibits smoking on the premises of a casino beginning October 1, 2011. By law, a casino permit allows the retail sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the casino premises. The law defines “casino” as the premises within which a gaming facility is operated with other facilities, including restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, bingo halls, or convention centers. A “gaming facility” is a room or rooms within which class III gaming, as defined in federal law, is legally conducted.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable