Uncertain Fate Looms Over Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban Bill

As the year comes to a close, the fate of a bill proposing a smoking ban on Atlantic City casino floors hangs in the balance, leaving casino workers anxiously awaiting the outcome.

The bill, introduced in February 2022, has garnered significant support with more than 50 sponsors in the Assembly and at least 25 in the Senate. Despite this, it faced a setback on Thursday when it was tabled due to insufficient votes in the Senate health committee.

The proposed legislation is a response to a 2006 state law that exempted casinos from the requirement of providing smoke-free workplaces.

Casino workers, who have borne the brunt of the exemption, dedicated over an hour of testimony, highlighting the adverse impact of continued smoking on their quality of life and health.

Concerns about potential job losses and the broader economic implications for Atlantic City were echoed by Mayor Marty Small, underscoring the complexity of the issue.

While the bill has enough co-sponsors to pass the Legislature, notable figures such as Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Nick Scutari have not added their support.

Their influence over the docket for voting sessions in their respective chambers raises questions about the bill’s progression. Clearing committee is just the first hurdle, as the bill would need 41 votes in the Assembly and 21 in the Senate before reaching the governor’s desk.

Governor Phil Murphy has previously indicated his willingness to sign the bill if it successfully navigates both houses.

The divide over the smoking ban extends beyond the legislative chambers, with casino owners and business groups opposing the measure. They argue that a smoking ban could deter customers from visiting, posing a threat to the survival of the casinos.

A study commissioned by the Casino Association of New Jersey supports their claims, suggesting that over 2,500 jobs could be lost if the bill becomes law.

The proposed smoking ban is not a novel idea; similar iterations have circulated since 2006, often enjoying bipartisan support. Smoking is currently permitted on approximately 20% of casino floors in Atlantic City.

During the height of the pandemic, a temporary smoking ban was implemented but lifted when Governor Murphy eased restrictions.

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As the bill faces uncertainties and the year draws to close, legislative leaders hinted at its potential inclusion in the lame-duck agenda. However, as of Thursday, the committee chair, Sen. Joe Vitale, emphasized the need to take the process one step at a time, casting further doubt on the bill’s immediate progression.

Suggestions for compromise, such as an 18-month phase-in proposed by Sen. Fred Madden, add a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate, leaving the future of the smoking ban bill hanging in the balance for at least a few more weeks.