INDIANAPOLIS — A recent Indiana Court of Appeals ruling has removed the smoking exemption at Hoosier Park Winner's Circle Pub and Grille in downtown Indianapolis.
When the smoking ban was originally put in place, betting sites like Winner's Circle were exempted, meaning patrons could smoke inside, while other establishments, like bars, were not allowed to have smokers.
A lawsuit from several bar owners started the legal battle. They claimed it wasn't fair that smokers were banned in their establishments but were allowed in other places. Instead of granting more exceptions, the court decided to remove the exemption for Winner's Circle, an off-track betting site.
Centaur Gaming, which owns Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Indiana Grand in Shelbyville and Winner's Circle, issued a statement following the ruling saying they would continue to discuss, and possibly pursue, legal action.
"Centaur Gaming maintains that the Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille, & OTB smoking exemption to the Indianapolis smoking ordinance is constitutional and will be considering all further legal options in response to this latest decision," the response read. "Given that this matter is still pending before the courts, we will reserve any further comment at this time."
It is not clear if this ruling will have any impact on Hoosier Park patrons who choose to smoke inside the gaming area.