Trenton, NJ – The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee took a significant step towards enhancing public health by advancing a bill aimed at banning smoking in New Jersey casinos. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Shirley Turner and Senator Joe Vitale, received committee approval with the objective of protecting the health of casino patrons and employees.
Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) highlighted the urgency of the legislation, stating, “There are countless stories of casino workers facing grim medical diagnoses from being forced to inhale cigarette smoke day in and day out. Dealing cards or serving drinks should not be a death sentence.”
The bill, designated as S-1493, proposes to eliminate casinos and casino simulcasting facilities from the list of exceptions under the “New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act.” This change aims to extend the Act’s clean air protections to these environments.
Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex), who chairs the Senate Health Committee, expressed his views on the overdue nature of this initiative. “When we banned indoor smoking, it was intended to protect employees and patrons from the health hazards of secondhand smoke. Nearly 20 years later, casino workers have not been extended that same consideration,” he said.
The bill successfully passed out of the committee with a vote of 5-1, with two members abstaining. This development marks a significant step towards the potential statewide prohibition of smoking in casinos, aligning with broader public health initiatives.