Long-awaited Measure to Prohibit Smoking Advances
TRENTON, N.J. — After three years of stagnation, a measure that would ban smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos has taken a step forward. The New Jersey Senate health committee approved the long-delayed bill, paving the way for a potential smoking ban in Atlantic City’s nine casinos. This development has brought hope to casino workers who have grown tired of being exposed to secondhand smoke at their workplace.
Years of Stalled Progress
The approval from the Senate health committee marks the first significant progress for the smoking ban proposal, which has been in limbo for four years. The vote also led to a heated confrontation between supporters and opponents of the smoking ban outside the state Capitol. Both sides exchanged passionate arguments before being separated by law enforcement.
Economic Concerns
A prominent business group and a casino workers union have warned that implementing a smoking ban would have dire economic consequences. They argue that such a ban would result in job losses and financial setbacks for Atlantic City and the southern New Jersey region. The casino industry fears that a smoking ban could lead to the closure of several casinos, while neighboring Pennsylvania continues to allow smoking.
Casino Workers Celebrate Progress
Casino workers who support the smoking ban were thrilled to see the bill finally make progress after years of inaction. Nicola Vitola, a Borgata dealer and a leader of the movement to ban smoking in casinos, expressed her joy, saying, “We feel like we cracked the egg.” Workers like Vitola have endured working in smoking sections, with smoke permeating all areas of the gambling floor.
Smoking Ban Impact
Currently, smoking is permitted on 25% of the casino floor in Atlantic City. However, these designated smoking areas are not segregated, resulting in smoke spreading to other sections. The proposed smoking ban aims to eliminate smoking in all areas of the casinos. Proponents of the ban argue that it would improve the health and well-being of casino workers and attract more visitors.
Compromise and Legislation
The casino industry is opposed to a total smoking ban and is exploring alternative solutions such as improved ventilation systems and enclosed smoking rooms. The Casino Association of New Jersey expressed its willingness to find a compromise that addresses employee concerns while safeguarding jobs and benefits. Republican Senator Vince Polistina has pledged to draft a new bill incorporating these compromises.
The Road Ahead
The bill approved by the Senate health committee will now move to the full state Senate for a vote. An identical bill must also be approved by an Assembly committee and the full chamber. If both bills pass, they will be sent to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who has expressed support for a smoking ban. Ultimately, the fate of the smoking ban rests on the decisions of lawmakers and the governor.
Sen. Shirley Turner, a long-time advocate for a casino smoking ban, emphasized the difficult position that casino workers face. She said, “You shouldn’t have to make that kind of decision in this country: your job or your health. That’s not America.”
Follow Wayne Parry on Twitter: twitter.com/WayneParryAC
