The GOP is determined to ban casino smoking despite a recent court ruling
Lawmakers in Atlantic City are renewing efforts to ban smoking in the city’s casinos, with New Jersey Assembly Republicans stepping in to support the push. On Tuesday, Republican leaders expressed their readiness to provide the necessary votes to pass the legislation if Democrats fall short of securing a majority.
The proposed ban has been a long-standing issue, with committees in both the Assembly and Senate holding hearings last year. Despite significant discussion, the bill has yet to reach a floor vote. Currently, the legislation has 42 sponsors in the Assembly, including 13 Republicans, signaling strong bipartisan support.
Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio emphasized that the push for the smoking ban is about protecting casino workers, not politics. He pointed out that many workers have been advocating for this change for years, and it’s time for lawmakers to take action. “We need legislative action, not excuses,” DiMaio stated, expressing his party’s commitment to helping pass the bill.
New Jersey’s 2006 smoking ban, which applies to most workplaces, still allows casinos to permit smoking on up to 25% of their gaming floors. Casino employees, along with advocacy groups like Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects and the United Auto Workers, have long called for an end to this exemption, arguing that it puts workers’ health at risk. A recent lawsuit attempting to eliminate the exemption was dismissed, leaving the issue to be resolved through legislation.
With bipartisan support growing, the push to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos could soon gain momentum, as Republicans join forces with Democrats to protect the health and safety of casino workers.
