New Jersey Governor Calls for Resolution on Atlantic City Casino Smoking Issue
Governor Calls on Lawmakers to Resolve Atlantic City Smoking Debate
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill recently addressed the ongoing dispute over smoking policies in Atlantic City casinos but stopped short of taking a definitive side. Instead, she urged the state legislature to finalize a decision promptly to put an end to this prolonged debate.
The Need for Legislative Action Over Litigation
Governor Sherrill emphasized that while legal battles continue, the real solution lies in clear legislation. She acknowledged hearing from casino workers both supporting a smoking ban and opposing it due to concerns about business impacts. Her focus remains on balancing worker safety with job retention and economic growth in the Atlantic City casino industry.
Grassroots Advocacy for Smoke-Free Casinos
A collective of casino employees called Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) has long petitioned for all nine Atlantic City casinos to eliminate indoor smoking. This group actively sought the support of gubernatorial candidates, including Governor Sherrill, urging them to endorse smoke-free casino environments.
Existing Law and Its Limitations
The 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act exempts casinos by allowing them to designate up to 25% of gaming floor space for smoking. However, this law does not require these smoking sections to be physically separated from non-smoking areas, causing secondhand smoke to permeate into smoke-free zones.
Arguments from Both Sides of the Smoking Ban Debate
CEASE activists argue that the allowance of smoking indoors infringes on constitutional rights. They cite the New Jersey Constitution’s provision that guarantees individuals the right to safety and well-being. Several legislative proposals this year have referenced this constitutional perspective in attempts to address the issue.
Opponents, represented by the Casino Association of New Jersey, aim to maintain indoor smoking privileges. They warn that banning smoking in Atlantic City could push smokers to nearby casinos in Philadelphia, where indoor smoking is permitted. With three potential new casinos planned downstate in New York, the casino lobby contends that imposing stricter smoking regulations now could harm Atlantic City’s competitive edge and economic recovery by deterring visitors.
Potential Benefits of a Smoking Ban
Supporters of the ban suggest that eliminating smoking indoors could actually attract more non-smoking guests. They point to data from the American Lung Association showing a 73% decline in adult smoking rates nationwide from 1965 to 2022, noting that tobacco use is particularly decreasing among younger generations.
