After a court ruling rejected a proposed smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos, casino workers are planning to take matters into their own hands with an advertising blitz aimed at convincing both customers and lawmakers to support a smoke-free environment.
The ruling, handed down by a New Jersey Superior Court judge, deemed that the proposed ban on smoking in Atlantic City casinos was unconstitutional due to the fact that it was not passed by the state legislature. This decision came as a blow to many casino workers who have long been advocating for a smoke-free workplace to protect both their health and the health of their patrons.
In response to this setback, a coalition of casino workers, led by the labor union UNITE HERE Local 54, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive advertising campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the benefits of a smoke-free environment. The campaign will include television and radio ads, billboards, and social media messaging in an effort to garner public support for a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos.
“We are disappointed by the court’s decision, but we are not giving up the fight for a healthier workplace,” said Bob McDevitt, President of UNITE HERE Local 54. “Our casino workers deserve to work in a safe environment, free from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.”
The casino workers’ campaign will also target lawmakers in the hopes of securing their support for a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos. With the support of key legislators, the coalition believes that they can ultimately push through a smoking ban that will protect both workers and patrons.
“We urge lawmakers to listen to the voices of casino workers and take action to pass a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos,” McDevitt added. “It is time for New Jersey to prioritize the health and safety of its residents over the profits of the casino industry.”
The advertising blitz is expected to launch in the coming weeks, with the goal of building public support for a smoke-free environment in Atlantic City casinos. Casino workers are hopeful that their efforts will not only raise awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke but also pave the way for a future where both workers and patrons can enjoy a healthier, smoke-free experience in Atlantic City’s iconic casinos.
