Anti-smoking Bill Ignites Debate in Atlantic City
Date: 2024-02-22 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
The Ongoing Debate
For nearly two decades, Atlantic City has been embroiled in a contentious debate regarding smoking on its casino floors. Presently, New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act contains a provision allowing casinos to permit indoor smoking within 25% of their gaming areas, an exception not granted to other public spaces in the state.
The New Bill Proposal
Sen. John Burzichelli recently introduced bill S2651, aiming to maintain the current smoking restrictions within Atlantic City's casinos. The bill, although new, largely preserves the existing regulations, restricting indoor smoking to designated areas comprising no more than 25% of the gaming floors.
Under S2651, smoking would be confined to specially designated zones, situated at least 15 feet away from table games staffed by dealers. These areas would be segregated from the rest of the casino floor, and dealers assigned there would need to consent to the arrangement.
Criticism and Controversy
Burzichelli defended his proposal, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding jobs and preventing casino closures. However, anti-smoking advocates, including the group Casino Employees Against Smoking Harmful Effects (CEASE), criticized the bill as merely perpetuating existing smoking levels.
CEASE contends that only a bill banning indoor smoking entirely stands a chance of gaining significant support, especially considering Governor Phil Murphy's implied endorsement of such measures. They anticipate limited progress for Burzichelli's proposal, given its lukewarm reception amidst anti-smoking circles.
