New Jersey and the union representing workers in Atlantic City’s casinos have joined forces to ask a judge to dismiss an anti-smoking lawsuit that targets the city’s gaming establishments.
The lawsuit, filed by the Clean Air Council, seeks to ban smoking in the casinos, citing concerns about secondhand smoke exposure for employees and patrons. However, New Jersey and the union argue that the lawsuit goes against the state’s existing laws and regulations on smoking in public places.
In a joint statement, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Bob McDevitt, president of UNITE HERE Local 54, which represents thousands of casino workers, emphasized the importance of protecting workers while also maintaining the economic viability of the casinos.
Grewal stated, “We understand the concerns about secondhand smoke exposure, but we must also consider the economic impact of banning smoking in the casinos. The gaming industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy, and any drastic changes could have far-reaching consequences.”
McDevitt added, “Our members’ health and safety are our top priority, but we also need to ensure that their jobs are secure. We believe that the current regulations on smoking in the casinos strike the right balance between these competing interests.”
The lawsuit has sparked a heated debate in Atlantic City, with some residents and health advocates supporting the ban on smoking in the casinos, while others argue that it would hurt the local economy. The casinos have also expressed concerns about the potential loss of revenue if smoking is banned.
The judge overseeing the case is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. In the meantime, both sides are preparing their arguments and mobilizing supporters to make their voices heard.
Overall, the legal battle over smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos is shaping up to be a contentious and high-stakes fight, with major implications for the gaming industry and public health in the state of New Jersey. It remains to be seen how this complex issue will ultimately be resolved.
