Free Republic

SEATTLE -- Non-tribal casinos have already lost tens of millions of dollars because of Washington’s new indoor smoking ban. A new financial study, conducted by our own KIRO Team 7 Investigators, discovers taxpayers could loose millions as well. Card-rooms, charity bingo halls, and some bars and restaurants are required to report financial information to the state every year. The state hasn't had a chance to look at the figures since the smoking ban took effect. I have. It looks like "no smoking" means economic devastation for the non-tribal gaming industry. If there was ever any doubt that gamblers are also...

Twelve Madison businesses have surrendered their city liquor licenses, the same number as last year, according to the city clerk's office. Anti-smoking advocates say this is evidence Madison's smoking ban hasn't hurt business, but the head of the Dane County Tavern League says the numbers are meaningless. "It seems pretty typical," said Maribeth Witzel-Behl, license clerk. Friday was the deadline for liquor-license holders to tell the city whether they want to renew their licenses. Nine businesses notified the city they would surrender their licenses; three more failed to respond by the deadline and have disconnected telephone numbers. Liquor-license holders have...