New Year’s Eve, a time of reflection, hope and resolutions. In Colorado, it will also be a time to put out those cigarettes inside the casinos. January first, smokers can expect a gentle tap on the shoulder and a polite invitation to join other smokers on new outside terrace’s designated for smoking.
Golden Casino Group oversees three casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado. Jeff Bauer, the group’s vice president and general manager said, “The ban is already going to dramatically, negatively impact our business. We want to be able to mitigate that loss as much as possible but stay within the law.”
The three casinos owned by Golden Casino Group created an employee task force to come up with how workers should deal with the inevitable and defiant casino players. The Golden Casino Group has spent over $1 million on construction of the terraces for its smoking clientèle.
On dealing with smoking guests, Bauer said, “One of the things we are doing is offering a complimentary cigarette to any guest who is inconvenienced or feels inconvenienced or starts to, you know, get upset about it. We say, ‘Here’s a free cigarette. Here’s our smoking terrace. Please enjoy’.â€Â
So what happens if there are still some smokers who want to cause problems? Employees are directed to contact their managers and then if necessary get casino security.
Bauer said, “There’s no way Black Hawk police can deal with every single smoker who is going to be a little difficult at first. People have to be reasonable about this.”
Black Hawk’s city manager, Richard Lessner states that it is usual for the casinos security to handle any disputes or problems before calling for police support and he doesn’t see any changes from the norm.
“If they feel then that they need the assistance of the police department then, of course, we’ll respond,” Lessner said.
Violations carry a $200 fine within a calendar year, the second violation is $300 fine and a third, $500 fine.
“I don’t think you’re going to find smokers to be unreasonable,” Lessner said.
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I didn’t realize until just now that the casinos in Colorado were non smoking. Sounds like a great reason for us to make the long drive from Oklahoma to visit. I hate the smoke in our Oklahoma casinos. He gives me a sore throat and headache beside making my hair and clothes stink. Thanks for having the thoughtfulness to initiate this, Colorado!! See you soon!!