Conn. AG says state can legally enact smoking ban at casinos

Connecticut can legally extend the smoking ban to the state's two tribally owned casinos, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said this afternoon in an opinion.

In an eight-page opinion, he said the sovereignty of the Mashantucket Pequots, who own and operate Foxwoods Resort Casino, and the Mohegans, who own and operate Mohegan Sun, will not be affected since the tribes have already agreed in compacts with the state "to adopt public health standards at least as rigorours as the State's public health laws."

Blumenthal said the tribes' non-compliance with a smoking ban in all areas of the casino governed by Connecticut liquor licenses could lead the state to revoke the permits.

But, in his eight-page opinion, he urged all groups to discuss the issue, rather than rely on legislation.

"As a matter of comity and respect, we suggest that the Tribes and the State seek an agreement to implement the ban - thereby advancing the health interests of tribal and non-tribal patrons and employees of the casinos alike, without the need for enforcement litigation," Blumenthal wrote.