In a recent ruling that has sparked controversy across the state, a New Jersey judge has decided to allow smoking to continue in Atlantic City casinos, despite a statewide ban on indoor smoking. The decision, handed down by Judge Thomas Martino of the Atlantic County Superior Court, comes amidst a heated debate between public health advocates and the gaming industry.
The issue of smoking in casinos has been a hotly contested topic for years, with many arguing that allowing smoking in indoor spaces puts the health and safety of both employees and patrons at risk. Proponents of the ban on indoor smoking cite the numerous studies that have linked secondhand smoke to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, heart disease, and cancer.
However, the gaming industry in Atlantic City has fiercely opposed any efforts to ban smoking in casinos, arguing that it would hurt business and drive customers away. In a bid to protect their bottom line, several casinos in the city filed a lawsuit challenging the ban on indoor smoking, which was implemented by Governor Phil Murphy in 2019.
Judge Martino’s ruling effectively gives the casinos a temporary reprieve from the smoking ban, allowing them to continue to permit smoking on their premises while the lawsuit plays out in court. In his decision, Martino cited concerns about the economic impact of the ban on the gaming industry, noting that casinos have already suffered significant losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ruling has drawn mixed reactions from both sides of the debate. Public health advocates have criticized the decision, arguing that it puts profit over the well-being of casino employees and patrons. Dr. Karen Friedman, a local physician and anti-smoking advocate, called the ruling “a step backward for public health in New Jersey.”
On the other hand, casino operators have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a lifeline for an industry that has been struggling in recent years. Marcus Allen, CEO of one of the largest casinos in Atlantic City, hailed the ruling as a victory for the gaming industry, stating that it will help to stimulate business and bring much-needed revenue to the struggling city.
As the legal battle over the ban on indoor smoking in Atlantic City casinos continues to unfold, both sides are gearing up for a protracted fight. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry in New Jersey and beyond, as other states grapple with similar debates over smoking in casinos. In the meantime, casino-goers in Atlantic City can continue to light up while they gamble, at least for now.