Vote on Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban Postponed Following Lack of Support
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The future of a bill aiming to prohibit smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos remains uncertain, forcing casino operators to endure weeks of suspense. Discussion about the bill in New Jersey’s Senate was halted on Thursday due to insufficient votes for approval by the Senate Health Committee.
Smoking Permeates the NJ Senate
Since the start of the year, the bill has garnered ample support from sponsors to clear the legislature. Interestingly, it managed to dominate the discussions in committee meetings held across both chambers, becoming the sole topic of conversation.
Following the meeting, Senator Joseph Vitale, acting as the committee president, expressed his intention to present the bill during the upcoming duck session. His motive behind proposing this legislation stems from his desire to uphold the rights of employees who refuse to compromise their well-being, as safeguarded by the law.
The hearing saw a lengthy presentation of evidence, surpassing an hour in duration. Speakers included casino operators who expounded on the enduring impacts of smoking on their overall well-being and quality of life.
Vincent Steele, advocate for employees at Tropicana, Bally’s and Caesars, expressed strong condemnation towards the fact that smoking is still permitted even 17 years after the state’s smoking ban was enacted. Steele emphasized the dire situation faced by these workers, as they continue to desperately fight for their well-being.
Introducing the present proposal, Senator Dick Codey, who served as governor during the implementation of the indoor smoking ban nearly twenty years ago, acknowledges his initial endorsement for a distinct approach. However, he openly confesses his misjudgment and emphasizes that the time has come to rectify this by taking the appropriate course of action.
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