Governor to Sign Smoking Ban Today

Governor Jennifer Granholm will sign Michigan's smoking ban into law sometime today. The ban will take effect in May of 2010.

As we discussed earlier, the ban will not exempt Michigan charitable bingos. The only exemptions will be tobacco specialty stores, cigar bars and the gaming floors of the Detroit casinos. Of course, tribal casinos in Michigan will not be subject to this law and can allow smoking or not on their own.

Outdoor Smoking Areas Remain a Question

Last week, Michigan passed a statewide smoking ban which will outlaw smoking in charitable bingo halls beginning May 1, 2010.

For now, there is still little information regarding the specifics of any allowed outdoor smoking section. Although we believe some accomodations (like a smoking tent) will be allowed for smokers, nothing is likely to materialize until after the bill is officially signed.

We will keep you posted.

Smoking Ban Passes in Michigan

Yesterday, the Michigan Senate passed a statewide smoking ban (the House had already passed their version) that will ban smoking from Michigan bingos. Starting May 1, 2010, bingos will be forced to go smoke free. The only exemptions to this new law are the gaming floors of the Detroit Casinos, home offices, tobacco specialty shops and cigar bars, and work vehicles.

We will be examining the law carefully in the coming days, and will be sure to bring you specific information as to what will be allowed and not allowed under this law at your bingos. Some questions we'll be looking at:

Will you be able to set up a separate smoking facility or tent outside your bingo hall?

If so, what are the building requirements for these?

What types of bingo equipment (if any) will be needed?

Of course, there will be other questions that come up, and we'll try to keep you informed. Also, stay tuned for articles on how your bingo can best retain your bingo players. Finally, start preparing yourself now for the upcoming changes. Inform your players about what's happening and get their feedback on how to make their smoke-free experience a fun one.

For more information, please see State Legislature passes smoking ban.

Michigan Smoking Ban Update

We're hearing about a lot of renewed discussion taking place on the potential smoking ban in Michigan. Currently, a Senate Committee is examining the possibility of taking up the bill this week. Whether or not Michigan bingos and/or Detroit casinos will be exempt from a possible ban has yet to emerge.

Earlier in the year, the Michigan House passed a smoking ban that exempted Detroit casinos and cigar bars, but did not exempt bingo.

For more information, please see Michigan lawmakers edge closer to possible smoking bam.