An editorial from The Register-Herald
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Two measures are winding their way through the Legislature, one of which would roll back restrictions on where smokers can light up, and the second which would substantially raise the per-pack tax on cigarettes.
The first bill would allow smoking in places where it is currently banned: veterans halls, casinos and other gaming spots, and private clubs.
Some are claiming — especially lawmakers with casinos in their districts — that this is an economic issue, insisting there are hordes of would-be gamblers who are sitting at home playing solitaire because they can’t gamble and smoke at a casino. So that makes it all about jobs.
That’s a dubious argument, we think.
What isn’t arguable is that the problems smoking causes are a public health issue in West Virginia…
