Casino workers call on Gov. Murphy to ban smoking on gaming floors

• Atlantic City’s casinos continue to host smokers, with casino workers calling on the governor to help
• CEASE, a purpose group, has argued that Gov. Phil Murphy needs to take measures to see a law passed before his term is out
• Support for ending smoking is high in principle, but no lawmaker is willing to expend political capital in case things turn sour

Casino workers continue to push for a complete ban on smoking on gaming floors in Atlantic City, with their newest prong of attack now focusing on New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Gov. Phil Murphy asked to do more to close a casino smoking loophole in NJ

In a statement, workers have called on the governor to enact a ban, which could very well be his legacy. Smoking in casinos has been a sensitive topic. Politicians from both mainstream parties have vowed support, but few have been willing to pull the trigger and go against the warning of casino groups, arguing that banning smoking would be another blow to what they argue is a still recovering sector.

With much of the state’s economy dependent on Atlantic City, lawmakers and elected officials have balked at the idea of being associated with potential negative consequences.

Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) is hoping to convince the governor to enact the last-minute change and succeed in what has been an uphill battle for the past five years.

The latest appeal was signed off by 160 workers who argued that the governor’s moral support has run its course, and tangible decisions were necessary to make a change. While Gov. Murphy has argued that he would back a smoking ban, he has left the buck with legislators who have been reluctant for the above-stated reasons.

CEASE says no economic justification for maintaining the loophole

Now CEASE argues that the governor could be a force for change by rallying the support needed to pass the law through, adding that it could be his legacy. There are economic qualms to address as well, with many industry insiders still maintaining that they would be forced to cut jobs, reduce operations, and contribute less to the state’s coffers.

CEASE has repeatedly argued the toss, however, pointing out various research and studies that suggested that banning smoking retained normal economic activity in most cases, and boosted operations in others.

Essentially, CEASE insists that it simply asks for the Smoke-Free Air Act to be enforced, closing the final loophole in the law. Until such a time as this is done, however, leisurely smokers will continue to puff on at gaming floors with casino employees paying the price.

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