UK Casino Staff Want Smoke Ban

Two-thirds of staff want a ban on smoking in casinos, according to a study by Bristol researchers. Some 65 per cent of casino employees want smoking banned from their workplace, according to a study led by Paul Pilkington, of the University of the West of England.

The study, carried out in partnership with the GMB and TGWU trade unions, widens the debate on smoking in the workplace. The key findings show that casino workers are concerned about the health risks associated with exposure to others people's smoke in casinos.

Most would support a comprehensive ban on smoking in all working areas.

Mr Pilkington said: "Casino workers are frequently exposed to high levels of tobacco smoke, as they work long shifts in smoky environments that often have little or no artificial or natural ventilation.

"But under the current Government proposals, casinos may not become smoke-free, as they are private members' clubs.

"The majority of casino workers who responded to our survey want their working area to be smoke-free, including 40 per cent of current smokers."