A proposed law banning smoking inside Atlantic City casinos will be heard by New Jersey lawmakers in Trenton today. They will hold the first public hearing on the bipartisan bill, which seeks to close a 17-year loophole allowing casinos to keep smoking sections open, despite the Garden State banning smoking in indoor spaces in 2006.
The bill would also seek to create smoke-free areas in simulcast facilities. There will be no vote held at this hearing, which has been designated as ‘discussion only.’
The event will be hosted by the Garden State’s Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Committee, and Senator Joe Vitale will act as the panel’s chairman and the measure’s main sponsor.
Vitale said the objective is to give those affected by the legislation – the casino industry and those it employs – a chance to highlight this issue in a public forum. This will include key information from varied studies and the possible economic impact of a widespread smoking ban in casinos.
When speaking to NJ Advance Media, Vitale commented: “It’s a very big day. It’s a long time coming. I know this legislation will eventually pass. This is an important step along the way.”
However, President Nick Scutari said last week that there is still no set date for when any vote on the measure may take place. Still, casino workers and anti-smoking advocates who have advocated for this legislation for years are celebrating the hearing as a major development.
These campaigners have long been trying to get indoor smoking in Atlantic City casinos banned and have seen success in many of Atlantic City’s nine casinos.
Americans for Nonsmoker’s Rights CEO and President Cynthia Hallett commented: “This hearing means that Atlantic City casino workers are one step closer to not having to choose between their health and a paycheck.
“It’s a historic moment in the fight to protect the health of thousands of New Jersey workers.”
