Uncertainty Looms Over Smoking in Atlantic City Casinos
Date: 2023-10-21 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS, PEOPLE
The future of smoking within Atlantic City's nine casinos is shrouded in uncertainty, as legislators continue their quest to close the indoor smoking loophole. For almost 17 years, the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act has granted an exception, supported by the Democratic Party, allowing AC's casinos to permit smoking in up to 25% of their gaming floor space.
The exemption has been a source of ongoing controversy, with some lawmakers pushing for its closure. Anti-smoking activists also express concern that the current law jeopardizes the health of casino workers.
Two bills, Senate Bill 264 and Assembly Bill 2151, aim to end this exemption and bring the casinos in line with other establishments where indoor smoking is prohibited. While these measures have been in limbo for months, they have garnered enough support to reach the desk of Governor Phil Murphy.
Governor Murphy has previously voiced his support for these measures, pledging to sign them into law if they reach his desk. Despite this strong support, the Democratic Party continues to block their progress.
The Ban Faces Many Opponents
Recent reports indicate that these measures might soon move forward, with New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari allegedly planning to address Senate Bill 264 after the November 7 elections.
Anti-smoking advocates face an uphill battle against the Democratic leadership, which aims to maintain its majority in the Senate and Assembly, where they hold 25 and 46 seats, respectively.
Furthermore, anti-smoking proponents must contend with strong opposition from casino companies, who argue that a smoking ban would harm their revenues, potentially leading to the loss of up to 2,500 jobs. Unite Here has even likened the smoking ban to "economic suicide," claiming that it could result in an 11% drop in AC casinos' gross gaming revenue.
In contrast, supporters of the ban argue that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that such a measure would significantly impact the local casino industry.
