Senators in the state of New Jersey are advocating for a new bill aimed at prohibiting smoking within the premises of Atlantic City casinos. The proposed legislation currently enjoys the backing of 18 out of the state's 40 legislators.
Presently, New Jersey residents face restrictions on outdoor smoking, while indoor tobacco use is allowed. Consequently, casinos are obligated to designate up to a quarter of their space to accommodate smokers. However, the current situation has led industry workers to stage a strike, expressing concerns about the pervasive tobacco smoke in casinos and the associated risks of second-hand smoke. Some employees have reported health issues, attributing them to the indoor smoking environment, including heart disease, asthma, and cancer.
Despite opposition from operators, who argue that customers stepping outside to smoke often do not return to resume gambling, supporters of the smoking ban bill emphasize the health and safety of both patrons and workers as a priority over potential revenue loss.
