The New Jersey Attorney General and the labor union Unite Here have joined forces in a bold move to request the dismissal of a high-profile lawsuit against the state’s smoking ban. The lawsuit, filed by a group of restaurant and bar owners, challenges the legislation that prohibits smoking in indoor public places, claiming that it has had a detrimental impact on their businesses.
At the heart of the issue is the Smoke-Free Air Act, which was enacted in 2006 to protect employees and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Since its implementation, the law has been hailed as a major public health victory, with studies showing a significant decrease in smoking-related illnesses and deaths in the state.
However, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the smoking ban has had a negative impact on their businesses, leading to a decline in customer traffic and revenue. They claim that the law unfairly targets small businesses, putting them at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring states where indoor smoking is still permitted.
In a joint statement, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Unite Here President D. Taylor emphasized the importance of public health and worker safety in defending the smoking ban. They pointed to the overwhelming evidence of the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and the success of the legislation in reducing smoking rates and improving public health outcomes.
“We stand by the Smoke-Free Air Act as a crucial measure to protect the health and well-being of all New Jersey residents,” said Grewal. “We cannot afford to roll back the progress we have made in reducing smoking-related illnesses and deaths.”
The Attorney General and Unite Here also highlighted the economic benefits of the smoking ban, noting that it has led to a healthier workforce and increased productivity for businesses. They argued that the plaintiffs’ claims of financial hardship were unfounded and that the smoking ban was a necessary and justifiable public health measure.
The request for dismissal of the lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing debate over smoking laws in New Jersey. As the case continues to unfold, it is clear that the battle between public health and business interests will persist, with the Attorney General and Unite Here firmly committed to upholding the Smoke-Free Air Act as a crucial tool in protecting the health and safety of all New Jersey residents.