In a bold move to protect the health and safety of casino workers in Atlantic City, a group of advocates has taken their fight to ban smoking in casinos to a higher court. The battle over smoking in Atlantic City casinos has been a contentious issue for years, with workers and patrons alike expressing concerns about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The group of advocates, comprised of casino workers and health organizations, filed a lawsuit in Atlantic County Superior Court seeking to overturn a decision by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission that allows smoking in designated areas of the casinos. The lawsuit argues that the decision violates the state’s Smoke-Free Air Act, which prohibits smoking in all indoor workplaces, including casinos.
The advocates claim that workers in Atlantic City casinos are exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke on a daily basis, leading to increased health risks such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. They argue that allowing smoking in casinos puts employees at risk and goes against the state’s duty to protect workers from harmful substances in the workplace.
“We have had enough of being exposed to toxic smoke while we are just trying to do our jobs,” said Maria Rodriguez, a casino worker and plaintiff in the lawsuit. “It’s time for the courts to step in and protect us from this unnecessary danger.”
The lawsuit has garnered support from various health organizations, including the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association, who have long advocated for smoke-free environments in all workplaces. They argue that the health of workers should be prioritized over the revenue generated by the casino industry.
Atlantic City casinos have been a hotbed of debate over smoking regulations for years, with both workers and patrons expressing mixed opinions on the issue. Some argue that smoking is a personal choice and should be allowed in designated areas, while others believe that the health and safety of workers should take precedence.
The case is currently making its way through the courts, with a decision expected in the coming months. If the advocates are successful in their lawsuit, it could have far-reaching implications for the casino industry in Atlantic City and beyond. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on this contentious issue, but one thing is certain: the fight for a smoke-free environment in Atlantic City casinos is far from over.
