New Jersey casino workers have been lobbying for a smoking ban for years, without much success. But a long-stalled measure that could approve the ban was finally advanced in the Senate last week, to rapturous applause from Atlantic City workers.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), who has backed the legislation for more than 18 years. Despite growing criticism, the bill had seen little advancement since 2007. However, last week’s push could move the bill forward at long last.
A glimmer of hope for supporters of the bill
It hasn’t been plain sailing in the fight for a smoking ban in New Jersey. In November, the battle hit the headlines once again, after a scheduled vote on the measure was abandoned at short notice, due to a cited lack of support.
The sudden cancellation of the vote enraged casino workers and union members, who took their frustration to a state government hearing in Trenton, where they lit up in protest.
Members of the United Auto Workers union even went so far as to blow smoke in the direction of legislators, to demonstrate the unfairness of the situation they’d been left in.
On Monday, the New Jersey Senate health committee approved the long-delayed bill, putting it one step closer to approval following four long years for casino workers.
There’s a long way to go before smoking could be totally banned in New Jersey casinos, though.
Even taking Monday’s approval into account, the future of the bill remains uncertain. Some say that it lacks sufficiently vocal support of legislative leadership - despite the likes of Gov. Phil Murphy, clearly stating that they would support it.
Does the bill have the support it needs?
According to Vitale, the legislation has the support of Senate leadership and the majority of the Democratic caucus.
Those in favor of the bill argue that it makes perfect sense, given the fact that indoor smoking has been prohibited in so many public spaces in New Jersey since 2006.
There are vocal opponents of the smoking ban, of course. Concerns have been raised about a predicted reduction in foot traffic at New Jersey casinos should the legislation be introduced. The Casino Association of New Jersey has claimed that it could lead to a loss of up to 2,500 jobs, due to an expected drop in revenue at Atlantic City casinos.
Workers remain committed to a complete smoking ban
Compromises have been suggested. Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) expects that new legislation around smoking in casinos could mean the introduction of enclosed smoking rooms within casinos, which would only be staffed by those who are happy to work in these spaces. A phased-in ban has also been discussed.
Casino workers and union members remain committed to a total smoking ban within New Jersey casinos though, and the battle rages on.
“It’ll be an uphill battle because the tobacco and casino industry do not want to lose," said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. "But this is a fight that’s not going away anytime soon."
