Cripple Creek officially ignores casino smoking ban
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
Cripple Creek officials say they won't enforce the statewide smoking ban at casinos that claim they are exempt. The City Council said Monday the Legislature intended to ban
smoking in casinos, but said the law was poorly written and left the door open for casinos to claim they are cigar bars, which aren't covered. City officials say they don't have time to patrol the casinos for smokers or audit their books to see if they sell enough tobacco to qualify as cigar bars.
Three of the town's 17 casinos have claimed the exemption. Democratic state Sen. Ken Gordon of Denver, who co-sponsored the smoking ban, says the law is clear and says Cripple Creek should have the courage to enforce it.
At least one Black Hawk casino is also claiming an exemption as a cigar bar.
