Republicans Back Fight to Ban Smoking in New Jersey Casinos
Date: 2024-09-12 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: CASINO
Efforts to ban smoking in New Jersey casinos have gotten a boost after several Republicans signed on to support the initiative. The move could revive a bill that failed to pass in 2023.
Casino Industry Fights Smoking Ban
For years, New Jersey casino workers have been fighting to ban smoking indoors. Currently, casinos are exempt from the state’s general indoor smoking ban law and can designate a portion of their gaming areas for smokers.
While this gives casinos more flexibility to accommodate player requests, workers in these areas complain about the negative impact smoke has on their health.
In other states, smoking bans in casinos have already proven effective, but in New Jersey, the gambling industry continues to resist such measures. Casino representatives fear that the smoking ban could scare away customers, leading to a decrease in revenue.
Workers, in turn, accuse casinos of putting profits above the health of their employees. However, so far, all attempts to ban smoking in casinos have been unsuccessful. A state court ruled that the existing exception is not unconstitutional, and the only option for change is to pass a new law.
Republicans Join the Fight for Clean Air
Previously, some legislators advocated for an amendment to the 2006 Clean Air Act that would remove the exception for casinos and racetracks. However, consideration of the bill was postponed.
Now, Republican lawmakers have expressed their willingness to support this bill. Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio told his Democratic colleagues that Republicans are ready to “help pass the law.” According to him, the state needs “legislative solutions, not excuses.”
DiMaio noted that this issue should not be a matter of political games, but should concern the health of casino workers and their families. He is confident that with bipartisan support, a result can finally be achieved.
The Republicans’ joining the issue has breathed new life into the anti-smoking campaign. The organization Casino Employees Against the Effects of Smoking (CEASE), which has long fought for the abolition of indoor smoking, praised the Republicans’ decision to support them.
According to CEASE, clean air is an issue that should unite everyone, regardless of party affiliation. The organization hopes that legislators will not limit themselves to words and vote to adopt a smoking ban as soon as possible.
