By Sofie Nieto-Munoz
New Jersey Monitor
Atlantic City workers who support a ban on smoking inside casinos cheered and applauded lawmakers Monday afternoon after a state Senate committee finally advanced a long-stalled measure that would approve the ban. Lamont White, a casino dealer for over 38 years, noted that Monday represented the first meeting of the Senate’s health committee during the new legislative session, which began earlier this month. “I think that’s a really good sign,” he said.
Bill sponsor Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex) has sponsored a bill to ban smoking in casinos in every legislative session for 18 years, and this was the first time a Senate committee has advanced it since 2007. Casino workers in favor of the ban have lobbied for years for the Legislature to pass the bill. “I’m grateful I’m able to help them out,” Vitale said.
The committee’s five Democrats all cast votes in support of the ban and its three Republicans either voted no or abstained. The bill’s future remains unclear without the vocal support of legislative leadership. Gov. Phil Murphy has said he would sign the bill if it landed on his desk.
Supporters of the measure argue the state should have prohibited smoking in casinos long ago. Smoking was banned in most indoor places in 2006, but that ban exempted casinos. Currently, smoking is allowed on 25% of a casino’s gambling floor.
The bill’s critics voiced the same concerns they previously have: that banning smoking in casinos could lead casinos to lay off workers if they see fewer customers. A study commissioned by the Casino Association of New Jersey suggests over 2,500 jobs could be lost if the bill goes into effect.
Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) said a bill he expects to introduce would allow for enclosed smoking rooms where casino workers can voluntarily accept shifts, in addition to a phased-in ban.
Casino workers said Monday they are not discouraged by the long road the bill has to passage. “It’ll be an uphill battle because the tobacco and casino industry do not want to lose,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights.
