Is smokers' number up?
Ban could affect local bingos and the charities they support
"Bingos and casinos in Missouri could benefit while we suffer over here. Honestly, the ban could be disastrous for us," said Joe Schuler of the Granite City Knights of Columbus.
Bingos at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Old Alton Road benefit schools, organizations and charities like Easter Seals.To break even at a bingo session, 175 to 180 players are needed. The Knights of Columbus Hall draws about 230 players on average for its bingos.
If the ban lowers the number of players by about 30 percent, Schuler said the bingos would only break even or possibly lose money.
A successful bingo generates from $175,000 to $225,000 annually for charities the Knights of Columbus supports.
In addition to that, the Knights of Columbus generates about $120,000 in scholarships and educational funds for area schools through its bingos.
Holy Family and St. Elizabeth Catholic schools in Granite City could also be affected by the ban because the Knights of Columbus generates $50,000 for the schools through its bingos.
About 750 bingo players who play at the Knights of Columbus traveled to Springfield in March with Mayor Ed Hagnauer and area bar and restaurant owners to oppose to the ban.
"Some think its just unfair, and others think the state government is taking their rights away," said Schuler, a non-smoker. "My point is, where do you stop - in neighborhoods or backyards?"
Last year, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing counties and communities to ban smoking in public.
Schuler said the legislation hurt communities that approved a smoking ban because smokers in the non-smoking communities went to neighboring communities to smoke.
"We're going to do things to try to keep that from happening at our facility," Schuler said. "We do plan to make a patio available to smokers and have more than one smoking break during the bingos."
Schuler said he's heard that some facilities may not adhere to a no smoking ban.
"We will abide by the law. We have no plans on closing, just trying to stay competitive," Schuler said.
The Knights of Columbus is one of several entities in Granite City that have bingos to generate revenue for a variety of organizations.
E-mail:mheil@yourjournal.com
