Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban Closer to Reality

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 31, 2024

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On Monday, a long-delayed proposal to ban smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos gained traction, offering hope to dissatisfied casino workers facing the impact of secondhand smoke on their well-being.

The New Jersey Senate Health Committee endorsed the bill, marking an initial step in a multi-approval process. The move aligns with the ongoing four-year advocacy by casino workers for a smoking ban.

The vote led to confrontations among workers outside the state Capitol, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.

Both a business group and a casino workers union warned of potential economic repercussions, including job losses. Advocates considered the vote a significant development, expressing relief.

In 2006, New Jersey exempted casinos from a statewide smoking ban. Currently, smoking is permitted on 25% of the casino floor, causing smoke infiltration across gambling areas.

Testimonies emphasized the health risks and economic concerns tied to potential layoffs resulting from a smoking ban in casinos. Donna DeCaprio, President of Local 54 of the Unite Here union, raised concerns about the economic impact of the ban, highlighting the potential loss of 3,000 jobs out of the 50,000 casino jobs that once existed in Atlantic City.

DeCaprio warned that a smoking ban might lead to the closure of up to three Atlantic City casinos, especially as neighboring Pennsylvania allows smoking.

However, not everyone agrees. Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, mentioned that polling indicates more people would visit Atlantic City casinos if smoking were prohibited.

The casino industry opposes a complete smoking ban and is exploring alternatives such as improved ventilation systems and enclosed smoking rooms. The Casino Association of New Jersey expressed a willingness to find a compromise addressing employee concerns without jeopardizing jobs and benefits.

Senator Vince Polistina has indicated plans to draft a new bill incorporating these proposals, although he has not done so yet.

The bill, which underwent action on Monday, is now slated for a vote in the full state Senate.

A corresponding bill must also secure approval from an Assembly committee and undergo voting in the full chamber before reaching the desk of Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who has expressed intentions to sign a smoking ban into law.

Senator Shirley Turner, a longstanding co-sponsor of bills advocating for a casino smoking ban, emphasized the challenging situation faced by casino workers. She criticized the predicament where individuals are forced to choose between their job and their health, asserting that such a dilemma contradicts the principles of America.