New Jersey lawmakers delay vote on casino smoking ban bill

Legislators said they are open to considering possible smoking-room options in leu of a total ban.

A vote on a bill to ban smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos has been put on hold, creating outrage for nearly 100 casino workers, according to an Associated Press report. New Jersey legislators said “they did not have enough votes to advance” the bill, causing a delay in the vote.

Lawmakers went on to say that they “would listen to alternatives proposed by the casino industry including enclosed smoking rooms in which no employee would be forced to work.”

Indoor smoking has been banned in New Jersey since 2006. However, the current laws on the books make room for smoking in casinos and in simulcasting facilities, an allowance casino employees have pushed back against for nearly three years.

New Jersey first revisited a possible casino-wide smoking ban after temporary bans during the Covid-19 pandemic were lifted in July 2021.

Following the decision to remove temporary bans, Atlantic City casino workers asked for permanent legislation that would prohibit smoking in casinos statewide.

New Jersey State Governor Phil Murphy said he will sign a nonsmoking bill if the current proposal is passed.

In related news, the Pennsylvania House Health Committee recently passed a bill to ban smoking in its casinos, due to similar rising concerns for the health of employees.

Local casino workers have maintained that their health has been at risk due to secondhand smoke exposure, prompting lawmakers to consider the ban and draft House Bill 1657.

The proposal would prohibit smoking from private clubs, casinos and bars, and includes banning the use of e-cigarettes. Under the terms of the bill, all workplace and public spaces would be added to the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act.

Carlos Mendez

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