No. Indoor air pollution in Lexington’s bingo halls far exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for outdoor air (see Figure). Workers and patrons in Lexington’s bingo are exposed to hazardous levels of fine particle air pollution caused by secondhand smoke. On average, the level of indoor air pollution in these venues is 13 times higher than the PM2.5 levels in hospitality venues protected by Lexington-Fayette County’s smoke-free law.
Lexington's Bingo Halls
Is the air safe inside Lexington’s bingo halls?
How do other Kentucky communities protect workers and patrons from dangerous levels of secondhand smoke in bingo halls?
Nineteen (19) communities have implemented smoke-free laws or regulations. Only four of the 19 communities specifically exempt bingo halls. Although Lexington’s smoke-free ordinance did not intend to exempt bingo halls, Fayette Circuit Judge James Ishmael ruled in January 2008 that booster clubs qualify as private organizations under the Lexington-Fayette County smoke-free ordinance.
The most comprehensive ordinances/regulations cover all places of employment and buildings open to the public including Georgetown, Morehead, Ashland, Elizabethtown, Hardin County (unincorporated areas), Madison County (Board of Health regulation), Louisville, Danville, and Woodford County.
