Groningen – The Holland Casino in Groningen does not need to ban smoking. The court has rejected the demand from a casino worker was calling for a smoke-free workplace. The man says he has respiratory problems after having to work in a smoky environment.

The court said it would be too drastic a move to require the casino to ban smoking since it is a part of the hospitality industry. The industry is not being required to ban smoking until 2011, according to the coalition agreement. Public Minister Ab Klink has expressed the wish to introduce a ban sooner.

The court also said that the worker had consciously chosen for a job at the casino, knowing that many people smoke there. He had turned down a job offer in a smoke-free workplace in Leeuwarden.