“These are multimillion dollar projects.” “The whole idea is to design an area where people can smoke that also complies with state law,” Penn National spokesman Bob Tenenbaum said. The newest smoking area features more than a dozen flat screen TVs, heat lamps, a full bar, hundreds of slot machines, security cameras and full roof and the same screens that can be raised or lowered. Hollywood Casino Columbus, owned by Penn National Gaming, recently opened its third and most ambitious smoking patio and is now advertising “smoking permitted” on its TV commercials. “We’re not using the exhaust fans right now just to keep the heat in,” said Dan Kennedy, general manager of the racino. And a 12-foot high wall stands about four feet from the screens, providing security and limiting the windchill.
The open areas are covered by screens that can be raised or lowered to help keep the heat in and limit sun glare. The patios are bracketed by two walls of the main building and a ceiling.
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