Posted on: September 12, 2024, 08:28h.
Last updated on: September 12, 2024, 08:30h.
New Jersey Republicans have expressed their support for banning smoking inside Atlantic City casinos.
In recent years, efforts to close the smoking exemption for casinos in Atlantic City and parimutuel wagering facilities received enough backing to pass the New Jersey Legislature. A majority of lawmakers in both the Senate and General Assembly supported amending the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act to prohibit cigarettes and cigars in casinos and racetracks.
However, the bills were not brought to a floor vote as Democratic leaders reportedly wanted to postpone the decision until the 2023 fall election when all 40 Senate and 80 Assembly seats were up for election. Democrats maintained their control in Trenton, but action on the casino smoking bills remained stagnant.
GOP members now indicate that they will advance the smoking bills and ensure they are passed and sent to Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) desk.
Popular Legislation
Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Warren) believes it is time to provide casino workers with the same workplace protections as other employees.
DiMaio stated, “If Democrats truly want to protect workers, Republicans are prepared to assist in passing the bill. We need action from the legislature, not excuses.”
Legislative action is likely the only solution to end indoor casino smoking as state courts recently ruled that the 2006 law does not violate worker protections under the New Jersey Constitution. The lawsuit, filed by the United Auto Workers, has been appealed to the state’s Supreme Court, but its acceptance appears unlikely.
DiMaio reiterated, “This is not a political issue. It is about doing what is right for workers and their families. With significant bipartisan support, there is no reason not to move forward.”
The casino industry, however, disagrees.
The Casino Association of New Jersey, representing the nine casinos in Trenton, argues that a smoking ban would negatively impact business and result in thousands of job losses. These industry concerns have contributed to Democrats halting their efforts to relocate smoking areas outside after the 2023 election.
Despite increased revenue, Atlantic City casino profits collectively decreased by 1.7% in the second quarter. While resort revenue rose by 1.5% in the first half of the year, profits fell by nearly 5% compared to the previous year, attributed to higher operating costs.
Casino Workers Optimistic
While the UAW has advocated for moving smoking areas outdoors, the larger casino union in Atlantic City, Unite Here Local 54, has supported the industry’s position, arguing that a smoking ban would negatively impact the health of its members by eliminating jobs. A grassroots coalition of resort workers disagrees.
A group called Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) has been campaigning for years to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. The group welcomed the Republicans’ willingness to join their cause.
Nicole Vitola, co-founder of CEASE and a longtime casino dealer, stated, “Clean air is a bipartisan concern, with both sides recognizing the urgent need to protect workers from secondhand smoke. Now, the legislature must act on this promptly.”