MGM Grand Should Immediately Rescind Fee to Guarantee Non-Smoking Room
Statement by Matthew L. Myers President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
February 16, 2011
The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas should immediately rescind the new $20 per day fee it is charging customers to “guarantee” a non-smoking room, as reported by Tribune Media Services. No one should have to pay extra to avoid exposure to a harmful substance that causes lung cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses. What will MGM charge for next? A room without asbestos? One with a sprinkler system or fire alarm? One without bed bugs?
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and at least 69 that cause cancer. Studies have found that toxic residue from cigarette smoke remains long after a cigarette has been extinguished, lingering in carpets, sofas, clothing and other materials.
It is also absurd that MGM would charge guests extra for non-smoking rooms when such rooms actually save hotels money by reducing cleaning costs. In fact, many hotels charge a hefty cleaning fee — usually several hundred dollars — when guests smoke in a non-smoking room.
Rather than imposing this fee, MGM should join the growing number of hotels that have gone completely smoke-free. If MGM fails to rescind this fee, then customers should show their displeasure by taking their business elsewhere.