New Jersey Eyes Casino Smoking Ban

This week the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee in the New Jersey Senate announced that it'll be holding a hearing on February 13th to discuss the proposed ban on smoking in Atlantic City Casinos, which has been urged for by casino workers.

The bill is formally known as Senate Bill 264, and would close the current exemption for Atlantic City casinos as part of the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006. This loophole lets casinos host smoking, which can oftentimes become overwhelming for those who are sensitive to burning carcinogens. The bill has been sitting in the state House for a year, but it appears to have support, as Governor Phil Murphy said he'd sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

Atlantic City temporarily banned smoking during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the ban running from 2020 through July 2021.

Regarding the hearing Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights CEO Cynthia Hallett said, "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. Dealers bear the brunt of the dangerous secondhand smoke more harshly than anyone else working in casinos, and their voices must carry the most weight."