New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has promised to sign the ban if it is passed, and an unusually high number of legislators have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — On the 16th anniversary of a New Jersey law that banned indoor smoking in most public places — except in casinos — hundreds of Atlantic City casino workers called on state lawmakers Tuesday to ban smoking in the gambling halls.
But it faces strong opposition from the casinos and from the main casino labor union in Atlantic City, which fear widespread job losses if smoking is banned in the casinos. “Sixteen years ago the state of New Jersey left us behind in the smoke,” said Lamont White, a dealer at the Borgata casino. “We are not numbers; we are people.”
“It’s been 16 years of cancer diagnoses, 16 years of watching our beloved co-workers die,” she said. “We keep hearing, ‘Now is not the time.’ When is it going to be the right time to care about us?” Casino workers vehemently dispute the findings of that report, and say it does not take into account a likely improvement in business conditions in the years after a smoking ban is enacted, as gamblers become used to a smoke-free environment.
Earlier this month, state gambling regulators released figures showing that Atlantic City casinos collectively exceeded the levels of gross operating profit that they enjoyed before the pandemic broke out in 2020.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What Gary Player had to say about Phil Mickelson situation: ‘Crucified’Gary Player on Thursday after hitting the ceremonial first tee shot, offered his thoughts on Phil Mickelson and his absence from this Masters after making controversial comments critical of the PGA…
Read more »
Governing by text: Phil Bryant’s hidden hand picked welfare winnersFormer Gov. Phil Bryant's private text messages strongly influenced his welfare director to steer taxpayer funds to favored programs outside of a bid process — an internal control that the welfare department hadn’t followed since Bryant became governor.
Read more »
EXPLAINER: 2 men in Gov. Whitmer plot could be tried againA jury last week couldn't reach a unanimous verdict for two men charged with a conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Read more »
Letters to the Editor — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, gun control, Charlotte Jones, anniversary of the ACARe: “Patrick wants to replicate Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill — Texas version a ‘top priority’; school library regulations also sought,” Tuesday Metro &...
Read more »
Gov. Baker signs bill allowing children to be adopted by older family membersGov. Charlie Baker has signed legislation clearing the way for adults to adopt their siblings and younger aunts or uncles, a bill that the state's official Child Advocate says will create more stability in the lives of the state's most vulnerable children:
Read more »
Democrats risk repeating errors from VA gov race by siding against parents' rightsThere are concerns that the Democratic Party risks repeating errors made by former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s 2021 campaign by siding against parents’ rights in education.
Read more »