Smoke 'em if you got 'em

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce has endorsed an ordinance that would prohibit smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants. A Chamber representative will testify at tomorrow's Finance & Audit Committee meeting. Interestingly enough, there's no language in the Chamber's press release that indicates their stance on the current ordinance language that excludes casinos from the ban. We all know that smoking is bad for you. Every smoker I know or have met going door to door will be the first to admit that it's a horrible habit. Of course I can understand their unwillingness to support such a ban. I myself still enjoy a good cigar with a few drinks at my local watering hole. That indulgence will of course have to stop. I could argue either side with equal merit. Personal liberties versus the rights of your neighbor. I tend to lean towards the rights of your neighbor though. What I don't understand (but I have my theories) is why the exclusion for casinos? Yes, casinos not in Kansas City will have the advantage of luring smokers, but that same argument can be made for bars and restaurants too. You don't see them getting special treatment. It all comes down to fairness. A level playing field. It's all or nothing. Kansas City needs to lead, follow or get out of the way. I think the casinos will survive.