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A measure banning smoking across Atlantic City’s casinos moved forward on a 4th try in the New Jersey Legislature on Jan. 29.
The New Jersey Senate health committee approved a long-delayed bill to enforce a smoking ban in Atlantic City’s nine casinos. Sen. Joe Vitale has sponsored a bill to ban smoking in casinos in every legislative session for 18 years. This is the first time the committee has advanced it since 2007.
The bill failed to secure the necessary support in November with a vote getting postponed: “It’ll be an uphill battle because the tobacco and casino industry do not want to lose.”
Business groups and unions fear possible job and money reductions
On multiple occasions, business groups and a casino workers union warned that a smoking ban could lead to an economic disaster. It could cost the southern New Jersey casino region jobs and money.
Christina Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, warned that banning smoking could lead to many layoffs. She is also concerned that people will go to Pennsylvania casinos that allow smoking.
Donna DeCaprio, president of Local 54 of the Unite Here union, emphasized that there were 50,000 casino jobs in Atlantic City. With the new bill banning smoking altogether, she fears 2,500-3,000 jobs could be lost.
On the contrary, Hallett said if smoking were prohibited, more people would visit Atlantic City casinos, according to recent polling.
What are the next steps?
The New Jersey casino industry officials continue to oppose a total smoking ban. They claim they are working on proposals that include better ventilation systems.
Sen. Vince Polistina prefers a compromise over the bill proposal for an absolute ban on smoking on the casino floor. He said the bill he plans to draft would include enclosed smoking rooms where no employees would be assigned to work unless they want to.
The advanced bill to ban smoking will now go to the full state Senate for a vote. An Assembly committee must approve an identical bill to be voted upon by the full chamber. Then, it can go to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk, who previously said he would sign it into law.
