Atlantic City casino workers remark battle lines over smoking feud

Article by : Charles Perrin Jan 11, 2024

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Casino workers in Atlantic City are once again preparing to intensify their efforts in their bid to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the smoking feud that has erupted.

Changes are being demanded as employees want to work in a smoke-free atmosphere and the debacle has to a certain extent cast a pall over the gaming scene in New Jersey.

Currently, there is a loophole that allows gamblers to smoke cigarettes and puff on cigars at land-based establishments, but casino workers have become frustrated with how things are panning out on the legislative front.

Only last month, workers were left reeling after lawmakers in Trenton flip-flopped on a key piece of legislation that would have seen nine casinos in Atlantic City go smoke-free.

The verdict which was delivered by the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, angered CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) who have long been clamoring for workplaces to be devoid of secondhand smoke.

CEASE, a grassroots organization, has been working in other states where smoking remains, such as Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. On the back of December’s verdict, they created a political action committee (PAC) to lobby more power and influence.

Casino smoking is likely to spark a lively conversation this year, and earlier this week, The New Jersey Legislature convened for its first session.

CEASE has stipulated that the status quo has left casino staff with a wide range of ailments, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and asthma.

A statement delivered by CEASE read: “We cannot wait any longer.

“We are stuck breathing secondhand smoke for hours at work every day. It’s unacceptable.”

The legislative bill that will be reintroduced will be numbered S1493, and so far it has gained the support of 18 state Senators in the 40-member chamber.

Much of CEASE’s grievances lie with Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic), who initially endorsed Senate Bill 264 before he changed his stance and backed away from the proposed statute.

The smoking fight has dragged on for over two-and-a-half years, but the casino workers aren’t willing to back down, and nor should they.