Supporters of a casino smoking ban in New Jersey were unable to measure passed during the most recent legislative session. So they’re trying again. On January 12, the first day of the new session, six senators reintroduced a bill to finally eliminate the state’s casino smoking loophole.
The primary sponsors of the bill include Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale, with co-sponsors Senators Patrick Diegnan, Teresa Ruiz, who is also the majority leader, Vince Polistina, and Vin Gopal. An Assembly version will be introduced in the coming days.
“We applaud this bipartisan group of legislators from across New Jersey who understand that worker health must be a priority,” said Cynthia Hallett, president, and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. “We are confident that this legislation will pass both chambers and land on Governor Murphy’s desk in the coming months to make a smoke-free workplace a reality for thousands of casino workers in New Jersey.”
Nicole Vitola, co-leader of Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects, said the group won’t let up on legislators.
“We don’t have time to wait. Every day we go to work we risk our health getting worse and worse. Especially during yet another wave of Covid-19 cases in our state, this is unacceptable. It’s time to get this bill passed as soon as possible so that we no longer have to choose between our health and a paycheck.”
Assembly Health Committee Chair Herb Conaway said last month that “I’d like to get it done.” Conaway, a physician, and the Burlington County health director, said. “We have a number of employees who, as a condition of their work, are exposed to this carcinogen.”
Play NJ named the casino loophole one of five stories to watch in 2022: “The most likely [bill] to see swift action is a total smoking ban inside Atlantic City casinos. The gambling parlors are among the state’s last exemptions for allowing indoor smoking. Covid-19 makes this a public health issue and lawmakers will not want to hear about lost revenue for casinos.”
Governor Phil Murphy has reiterated his pledge to sign such a bill if approved by lawmakers.
