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New York OTB Hope for Smoking Waivers

NEW YORK – As reported by the Syracuse Post-Standard: "The state created Off-Track Betting corporations in 1970. The state banned smoking in public places in July.

"Now some OTB parlors - including several in Central New York - are hoping for waivers that will allow their customers to smoke.

"OTB executives say many of their parlors lost money last year because of the smoking ban.

"…[Ed Carney, a spokesman for Western OTB and owners of OTBs in Oswego and Cayuga counties] said his managers consider the Clean Indoor Air Act, which banned smoking from virtually all public places beginning July 24, a greater threat to business than Native American casinos.

"…Health departments in Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties are close to implementing policies that would grant waivers to the smoking ban. Some policies may begin this week.

"Natalie Roy, a public health sanitarian for Oswego County, said businesses that can prove financial hardship could receive a waiver…"

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