TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Assembly Republicans are calling on state health department commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston to take action in banning smoking in Atlantic City casinos, urging her to close a longstanding loophole in the state’s Smoke-Free Air Act.
In a letter to Baston, Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio and other party leaders referenced a recent meeting with casino workers and advocates from Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), along with representatives from the United Auto Workers. They argued that it’s time for New Jersey’s top health official to act, following in the footsteps of her predecessor who helped pass the 2005 law banning smoking in most workplaces but leaving casinos exempt.
“As New Jersey’s top health official today, it’s your turn to take a stand,” the letter stated. “It’s your turn—your job and duty—to complete the mission and protect the health of every New Jersey worker. No exceptions.”
Smoking is currently allowed on 25% of casino floors in designated areas, a limit set by a local ordinance. However, Republicans argue that health risks from secondhand smoke exposure, highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, make it essential to eliminate the exception for casinos.
The letter comes after a recent lawsuit by casino workers to ban smoking was unsuccessful. Republicans have since pledged to support legislative solutions if the Democratic majority is unable to secure enough votes. Although committees held hearings on the issue last year, a bill to ban smoking in casinos did not advance to a floor vote.
Governor Phil Murphy has stated he would sign such a bill into law if it reached his desk.
