VIP waiter at Crown Rosewood Hall in Melbourne charged with lung cancer
A former attendant at Melbourne's Crown Casino's most exclusive VIP room is suing operator Crown Resorts for negligence. Dien Nguyen, 39, was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer after working at Crown's Mahogany Room for six years.
Nguyen blamed his serious health condition on the tobacco smoke emitted by thousands of high rollers who chewed cigars and smoked cigarettes, Melbourne's Herald Sun reported.
Victoria banned smoking in indoor public places in July 2007. However, Crown's luxury rooms were granted a controversial exemption. In fact, after 2007, they were the only indoor public places in the state where smoking was allowed.
According to the Herald Sun, all areas of Crown have been smoke-free for about two years.
"Visitors to the Rosewood Room are allowed to smoke and cigars under an exemption from relevant Victoria anti-smoking laws while on royal duty," the lawsuit states.
No ventilation
Nguyen argued that officials were negligent by allowing smoking in the workplace but failing to test or measure smoke levels, investigate health risks or provide adequate ventilation. The operator also failed to warn its employees about the risks, the suit alleges.
"Prior to 2017, Crown received complaints and notifications of employees suffering from lung cancer or severe lung disease, allegedly as a result of exposure to cigarette and cigar smoke while working at the Mahogany Room," court documents said.
Nguyen claimed the Crown should have known he "was at risk for severe lung disease, including lung cancer and other respiratory diseases of a similar nature."
The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and are seeking damages, interest and costs from the Crown. Nguyen said he is likely or has already borne the medical and nursing expenses and will rely on his wife's care in the future.
Crown declined to comment on the ongoing litigation for political reasons.
Insider: “Stinky”
Mahogany Room memberships are divided into three categories. In descending order: black, platinum and gold. To qualify for Platinum membership, you must spend AUD$30,000 (US$20,000) at the casino within six months. Black membership is by invitation only.
Despite its glam, a Mahogany Room insider confirmed to News.com.au in 2016, "It actually stinks."
“One out of every two people is a smoker,” said the source, who asked not to be named."I think it's a shame. But they pay so much tax that the government passes this ridiculous law allowing smoking."
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Source: www.casino.org
