New Jersey Senate Scheduled to Vote on Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban
New Jersey Senate Scheduled to Vote on Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban
In a significant development that has the potential to reshape the experience in Atlantic City casinos, the New Jersey Senate is poised to vote on a crucial bill aimed at banning smoking within these establishments. The bill, known officially as S264, has garnered considerable support, and the impending vote, scheduled for the legislature's lame duck session after the November General Election, marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing debate over casino smoking policies.
Senate President Nick Scutari, D-Union, has expressed readiness to bring this bill to the floor for a vote, a move met with widespread anticipation and debate. Notably, S264 enjoys a significant level of backing within the Senate, with 26 out of a possible 40 state senators either sponsoring or co-sponsoring the measure. Furthermore, Governor Phil Murphy has been vocal about his stance, indicating a willingness to sign the bill into law should it successfully navigate through the legislative process.
However, for the legislation to reach Governor Murphy's desk, an accompanying bill must also pass in the General Assembly. The way forward in the Lower Chamber remains uncertain, as Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, has yet to publicly disclose his intentions regarding the legislation.Wide Spectrum of Support and Opposition
The discourse surrounding the proposed smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos reveals a divergent landscape of support and opposition. Notably, the legislative representatives of Atlantic City in the state capital are unified in their support for the ban. This alignment extends to the Atlantic City City Council, which adopted a resolution backing the prohibition of casino smoking. Additionally, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, representing the interests of nearly 1,200 casino dealers in Atlantic City, has voiced support for eliminating the smoking loophole in casinos.
Conversely, the Casino Association of New Jersey leads the opposition against S264, joined by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, and the New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Even at the city level, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. stands against the proposed ban, along with UNITE HERE Local 54, a move reflecting concerns over potential economic impacts.Atlantic City Casinos Express Economic Concerns
The Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006 set the current smoking regulations in Atlantic City casinos, allowing up to 25% of gaming floors to be designated as smoking areas. Proponents of the status quo argue that a complete ban on smoking would place Atlantic City casinos at a competitive disadvantage, especially considering the existing landscape where twenty states, including New York, have already implemented full smoking bans within gaming facilities.
The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) has issued dire warnings regarding the financial implications of such a ban, estimating potential losses ranging from 20% to 25% of annual in-person casino revenue. This perspective underscores the deep-seated fears among casino operators about diminishing their appeal to a segment of patrons for whom smoking is part of the gambling experience.
Despite these concerns, advocates for the smoking ban have framed the issue as one of public health and worker safety, vehemently arguing against the normalization of smoking in casinos. One particularly striking statement encapsulated the sentiment driving the push for reform: "I don’t want to take away your right to kill yourself by smoking. I do want to take away your right to kill someone else by smoking in a casino."
Supporters of the ban also highlight the evolving preferences of casino-goers, pointing to a broader industry trend towards smoke-free environments. They argue that by aligning with states and casinos that have embraced these policies, Atlantic City can indeed attract a new generation of patrons who prioritize a smoke-free gaming experience.
As the New Jersey Senate prepares to cast its votes, the debate over the proposed smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos captures a broader conversation about the future of the gambling industry, public health, and the rights of workers and patrons alike. With significant implications at stake, all eyes are on New Jersey as it navigates this contentious issue.