Republican Involvement Reinvigorates Fight for Smoke-Free New Jersey Casinos

The efforts to end smoking inside New Jersey’s casinos have been reinvigorated by several Republicans’ decision to back the movement. This significant development could possibly revive a smoking ban bill that failed to pass in 2023.

Industry Giants Are Reluctant to Ban Smoking

Casino workers in New Jersey have been fighting to end indoor smoking for years. The state, for context, exempts casinos from its indoor smoking ban, allowing them to dedicate a percentage of their gaming area as a smokers’ area.

While this makes casinos more flexible when it comes to the needs of their players, casino workers in the smoking areas have complained about the smoke, arguing that it is jeopardizing their health.

While non-smoking casinos in other states have been successful, New Jersey has remained reluctant to ban indoor smoking at casinos amid intense pushback from the industry. Industry representatives fear that a ban on smoking would drive away patrons, hurting the profitability of their properties.

In response, workers have accused the industry of prioritizing its profits instead of the wellbeing of its workers. However, all previous efforts to ban indoor smoking at casinos have so far failed. State court previously concluded that the exemption does not violate the state constitution, leaving legislative action as the only chance for change.

Republican Lawmakers Join Workers’ Fight for Clean Air

Previously, lawmakers expressed backing for an amendment to the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act that would end casinos and racetracks’ exemption from the general rule. The bill, however, was eventually delayed.

Now, Republican lawmakers expressed interest in finally passing the measure. Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio told his Democratic counterparts that the Republicans in New Jersey are “ready to help pass the bill.” He said that the state needs “legislative action, not excuses.”

DiMaio added that this decision should not be about politics but about doing what’s right for the NJ casino workers and their families. He is certain that bipartisan support could “get this done.”

The involvement of Republicans in the matter has reinvigorated anti-smoking efforts. Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), an organization that has promoted the elimination of indoor smoking for years, praised the Republicans’ decision to join the fight.

According to CEASE, clean air is a bipartisan issue. The organization hopes that the legislature will put their words into “long overdue action” and vote on the smoking ban bill as soon as possible.