Councilors: Sioux Falls Casinos Getting Around Smoking Ban

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Sioux Falls City Council members say a group of businesses are getting around a state smoking ban by opening tobacco shops under the same roof as video lottery businesses.

South Dakota's smoking ban passed by voters in 2010 includes video lottery facilities, but not tobacco shops. The Argus Leader reports that at one video lottery facility, an inside door has a separate address, and behind the door is a cigarette vending machine and three video lottery machines.

City Council members Dean Karsky and Christine Erickson say that's an example of creative steps some casinos are taking to keep smokers indoors. Erickson says city council members across South Dakota have indicated they've seen similar situations.

South Dakota Lottery Executive Director Norm Lingle says his staff is trying to come up with a resolution.

Source: Councilors: Sioux Falls Casinos Getting Around Smoking Ban