In a groundbreaking move, a group of concerned workers from Atlantic City’s bustling casino industry have taken their fight against smoking in casinos to the higher courts. The workers, who are part of the “Clean Air for All Casino Workers Coalition,” have been advocating for a ban on smoking in all indoor public places, including casinos, for years. They argue that secondhand smoke poses a serious health risk to employees and patrons alike, and they are determined to see this issue resolved once and for all.
The coalition’s quest for a smoking ban began in 2018 when they filed a petition with the New Jersey Department of Health, calling for a change to the state’s Smoke-Free Air Act. The Act, which was implemented in 2006, currently allows for smoking in certain areas of casinos, much to the dismay of the workers who are exposed to harmful secondhand smoke on a daily basis.
After the Department of Health denied their petition in 2019, citing a lack of authority to change the law, the coalition decided to take their case to court. In a recent ruling, Judge Henry Neary of the New Jersey Superior Court sided with the Department of Health, stating that it was up to the Legislature to amend the Smoke-Free Air Act.
Undeterred by this setback, the coalition has now taken their fight to the higher courts, filing an appeal with the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court. They are hopeful that this appeal will bring about the change they have been fighting for and ultimately result in a smoking ban in Atlantic City’s casinos.
The workers argue that a smoking ban is not only necessary for their own health and well-being but also for the health of the thousands of visitors who flock to Atlantic City’s casinos each year. They point to numerous studies that have linked exposure to secondhand smoke with a range of serious health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
The coalition’s efforts have garnered support from a wide range of organizations, including the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society. These organizations have long been advocates for smoke-free environments and have provided the coalition with valuable resources and legal expertise as they continue their fight for a smoking ban in casinos.
As the battle rages on, the workers remain committed to their cause, vowing to do whatever it takes to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone in Atlantic City’s casinos. With the support of their allies and the determination to see this issue through to the end, the coalition is hopeful that they will soon celebrate a victory in their quest for a smoke-free future.