I think you're right about that and I think that what stump posted many pages back is correct. Once this ship has sailed there really is no repealing it or overturning it.
The part in question, that I think could lead to litigation along with holding the city council accountable on election day, is the exemption for the casino. If you're going to allow exemptions to the smoking ban under any circumstances, then your debate point about it being a public health issue becomes laughable.
Yeah it's pretty reprehensible IMO to enact such a ban for health reasons, and then turn around and repeal parts of it because of lowered revenue.
If people aren't spending money in Casinos because of a smoking ban, you just need to deal with it. Find another way to make revenue. It's been deemed harmful to the public, including workers, and those not partaking.
Do you happen to know how the public seems to feel about this change? Are they in support on some "necessary evil" clause?
I feel the same way about lack of enforcement of drinking laws, and feel drinking regulations need far more enforcement, despite the fact I know it would have a direct effect on the revenue of bars/restaurants as well as the State. That revenue isn't worth the public nuisance caused by the rampant "drinking culture" it has created. It's sort of disgusting to me.. getting blackout drunk a lot during your twenties is practically ENCOURAGED in this country.. and it directly results in the deaths of many innocent people.
I generally refuse to "go out" to most areas of Seattle at night.. I've just personally had too many problems with drunks. Being 6'4" and in the company of an attractive woman puts a big target on your back to insecure drunk morons.
I also think marketing and advertising of dangerous drugs should be limited.. I believe people should have the right to CONSUME and therefore others should have the right to SELL just about ANY drug (including ones currently illegal).. but I think marketing/advertising should be nearly eliminated. It's brainwashing.