The race for New Jersey’s next governor has begun bringing renewed attention to a long-debated issue: should Atlantic City casinos ban indoor smoking? As Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli emerge as the main candidates, their contrasting opinions on this topic are becoming more important to voters and casino employees alike.
Sherrill Backs Worker Safety in Casino Smoking Dispute
Sherrill stands firm on putting worker safety first. The congresswoman, who won the Democratic nomination, stressed that workers should not have to pick between making money and breathing clean air. She pointed out how common and deadly lung cancer is in the state and linked her backing of a smoking ban to her bigger plan for Atlantic City’s growth. While she has talked about possible compromises, her recent words hint at a shift to a clearer stance.
On the flip side, Ciattarelli, the ex-state lawmaker and current Republican pick, still does not want to force a rule across the state. His team stressed again that casinos and their workers’ unions should make calls about smoking rules. He thinks the market and what workers want should decide if smoking stays on the gaming floors.
The group Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), which consists of Atlantic City dealers and staff, has been vocal in pushing both candidates to commit. Pete Naccarelli, who has worked as a casino dealer for many years and helped start CEASE, said the group likes Sherrill’s recent comments but wants a total ban without compromises. He spoke against solutions like special smoking areas or better air systems, saying they still put workers at risk from secondhand smoke.
Murphy Could Sign Smoking Ban Bill Before Summer Break as Pressure Mounts
Party polls and lawmaking trends are moving the debate forward. The Democratic Party’s big majority in the state Assembly means a bill to ban indoor smoking at casinos has strong support. If lawmakers vote before their summer break, the bill could reach outgoing Governor Phil Murphy’s desk by month’s end. Murphy has previously said he would sign such a law if passed.
Some experts say banning smoking might hurt Atlantic City’s ability to compete against Pennsylvania casinos, where people can still smoke. A 2021 study predicted possible drops in money made and jobs lost if a ban took effect. However, newer research across the industry hints that the long-term money impacts might not be as bad as once thought.
As the election season kicks off, casino workers are making their stance clear: clean air is not up for debate. They are sending a straightforward message to those running for office: you should not gamble with people’s health.