Casino smoking bill advances

HARTFORD, Conn. - Under a bill passed by a legislative committee, Connecticut’s two tribal casinos could face the loss of their state liquor permits if they don’t enter agreements with the governor to reduce secondhand smoke.

The measure passed the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee Monday on a 28-2 vote and now moves to the House of Representatives for further action. But it could face opposition from lawmakers concerned about hurting the casino business and losing some of the state’s share of slot machine revenues.

The Mohegan Sun has installed a ventilating system to clear the air and met with the governor’s office to reach an unofficial agreement to prohibit smoking in at least 20 percent of the gambling areas. But the Mashantucket Pequots, who own Foxwoods Resort Casino, are not as far along in the process.