New Jersey Senator Michael Testa, who represents Cape May County and portions of Atlantic and Cumberland counties, has signed on to co-sponsor a bill to eliminate smoking sections in Atlantic City casinos.
“We can both protect the health of casino workers and their guests while safeguarding our state’s thriving gaming industry,” Testa said.
Testa joined Atlantic County Senator Vince Polistina and five Democrats in opposition. But without the support of a majority of the legislature, the bill will languish in committee like it has in the past, according to the Associated Press.
“You wouldn’t understand the feeling you get when being on a game and someone walks up and you see them have a cigarette in their hand and you’re just begging, ‘Please don’t sit at my game,’” said Pete Naccarelli, a dealer and co-founder of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE).
The loophole in the Smoke-Free Air Act permits smoking in around 25 percent of the casino floor.
Its chances, however, remain unclear. The bill has been referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
Assembly speaker Craig Coughlin promised a “thoroughly and thoughtfully review the bill,” if the bill is reintroduced.
Meantime casino workers and health advocates keep beating the drum to gain support.
“We have support from Republicans and Democrats, as well as legislators across New Jersey, because they recognize that it’s wrong to treat us differently than every other worker in our state,” said Nicola Vitola, a Borgata dealer, and a leader of the anti-smoking group. “Senator Testa understands the urgency of our fight, and we are grateful that he is joining us to get this bill across the finish line.”
They say that 2022 needs to be the year that smoking is banned on the casino floor, according to InsiderNJ.
Murphy is on record as signing a bill should it come across his desk.
The Casino Association of New Jersey, representing the Atlantic City casino industry said the ban could cost jobs, money and tax revenue.
“Banning smoking completely and permanently would have long-term financial implications for the industry and the region, placing Atlantic City casinos at a competitive disadvantage with Pennsylvania casinos where smoking is permitted,” said Joe Lupo, president of the association and of the Hard Rock casino. “A decline in our customer base would also cause economic hardship to a large portion of the 20,000 employees who rely on the tips and customer volume that our industry provides.”
“Any policy changes that will result in decreased visitation, job loss and additional economic harm to our region should be the last thing we consider as the industry works diligently to rebuild and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
The South Jersey Times Editorial Board thinks the industry is just blowing smoke. In an editorial, the paper has come out in favor of the smoking ban.
Missing from the ban’s sponsors are any of the South Jersey Senate Democrats under the direct influence of power broker George Norcross III,
No matter, the publication welcomes seizing the moment. “Forced inhalation of cigarette and cigar smoke by anyone who isn’t doing the smoking is an unacceptable risk.”
If a bipartisan coalition can win the support of some of Democrats who would not OK this ban earlier, the arguments of the casino operators, which seem stuck in the 1980s, will no longer carry the day, the Times said.
“There’s no evidence that a permanent ban would kill any of the casino hotels, most of which are on a winning streak.
