Some lawmakers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania hope to make smoke-filled casinos a thing of the past. Those efforts failed this week in the Garden State when supporters were unable to secure enough votes, but Pennsylvania lawmakers are continuing to press forward.
Smoking has long been associated with casinos, but in recent years some casino workers and other health advocates have worked to curb the activity. Supporters of butting She was not satisfied with the rejection An anti-smoking plan in New Jersey.
“It’s unbelievable that we’re here again begging for the same thing everyone else has,” Lamont White, a Borgata dealer and leader of anti-smoking efforts in Atlantic City, told the newspaper. News agency.
New Jersey lawmakers seek compromise
In New Jersey, the proposal stalled this week in committee after lawmakers couldn’t get enough votes to move forward. Lawmakers have now said they would be willing to work with casinos to find a plan that could serve as a compromise.
New Jersey has a law prohibiting smoking in public businesses, but it exempts casinos in the state. Current law allows smoking on 25% of the casino floor. Some in the industry have recommended that the 18-month smoking ban be phased in to allow properties to build enclosed smoking rooms and add air handling systems.
“A compromise may be put on the table that could bring votes…that will ensure its passage,” said Sen. Fred Madden (D). He added that he believed some casino workers would lose their jobs if a complete ban on smoking was imposed.
The smoke-free idea was tried in 2012 with the opening of the Revel Resort in Atlantic City, which initially prohibited smoking but ran into several problems before declaring bankruptcy and closing in 2014. The property reopened as Ocean Resort Casino in 2018 with smoking permitted.
Pennsylvania’s efforts continue
However, efforts to ban smoking in casinos in the Keystone State continue. The legislation recently passed out of the state House Health Committee.
The proposal would ban smoking, including e-cigarettes, in casinos and bars. Rep. Dan Frankel (D) is sponsoring the bill and believes this is the right step to make it happen Protection of casino workers in the state From inhaling passive smoke.
“We should never force people, especially workers, and people in these institutions to choose between their health and a good-paying job with benefits,” Frankel said. WTAE.
Some business interests say a ban would hurt small business owners who own bars. Casinos also argue that they already offer non-smoking sections.
“Currently, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh features designated smoking and non-smoking areas on our gaming floor,” said Rivers Casino Pittsburgh representative Jack Horner. WTAE. “All restaurants, BetRivers Sportsbook, Poker Room, The Event Center, banquet halls and The Landing Hotel are designated non-smoking. Decisions regarding smoking in Pennsylvania casinos are made by the state legislature, and Rivers will of course abide by whatever the Commonwealth mandates.”
