Published on: September 30, 2024, 05:31h.
Last updated on: September 30, 2024, 05:31h.
The debate over allowing casino smoking was discussed at the Southern New Jersey Development Council’s 42nd Annual Sound Off for South Jersey Legislative Conference at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Democratic lawmaker Louis Greenwald’s comments on the issue faced criticism from advocates aiming to close the tobacco use loophole.
Greenwald, along with other Democratic colleagues, addressed various topics during the conference. However, the issue of casino smoking gained attention due to the location of the event.
Greenwald expressed concerns over the impact of a smoking ban on jobs in Atlantic City, highlighting projections from the casino industry suggesting significant job losses if smoking is prohibited.
CEASE, a coalition advocating for a smoke-free environment in casinos, criticized Greenwald’s stance of prioritizing jobs over protecting casino workers from secondhand smoke.
CEASE alleged that Greenwald received financial support from Big Tobacco, leading to delays in legislation aimed at ending casino smoking privileges.
Greenwald proposed a compromise, suggesting that cigars and cigarettes be limited to fully enclosed areas with separate ventilation systems, where only employees willing to work in smoking areas would be assigned.
CEASE’s co-founder, Pete Naccarelli, urged Greenwald to support bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the casino smoking loophole and attract more visitors to Atlantic City.
Dan Vicente, United Auto Workers Region 9 Director, expressed disappointment in Greenwald’s lack of response to concerns raised by casino workers and unions.
Vicente emphasized the need for dialogue with workers, health groups, and unions to prioritize health over economic considerations.
Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 54, another union representing casino workers in non-gaming roles, opposes the idea of eliminating casino smoking, citing potential negative consequences.
Pennsylvania Alliance?
Greenwald disclosed discussions with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to align smoking legislation between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. However, the response from Shapiro regarding this proposal remains unclear.
Unlike New York and Delaware, where indoor casino smoking is prohibited, Pennsylvania and Maryland allow smoking in casinos.
During the last legislative session, Assembly Bill 2151, aimed at ending casino smoking in Atlantic City, gathered bipartisan support in Trenton. However, Greenwald prevented the bill from advancing to a floor vote.
Stay tuned for further developments on the casino smoking debate in the region.