State Status
No Preemption
Pending Legislation
News Summary
Full ban on casino smoking approved by Senate
Publication Date: 2007-06-22
- Author:PETE McALEER
- Publication:The Press of Atlantic City
The state Senate voted unanimously Thursday to ban smoking on casino gaming floors, adding pressure on the lower house to follow suit before the end of the year.
The vote came 18 months after the Senate approved a statewide smoking ban that exempted casino gaming floors and cigar bars. State Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, said the original ban unfairly left out the health interests of casino employees.
"Thousands of workers each and every day are exposed to second-hand smoke," Vitale said. "Why should thousands of casino workers be subject to cancer and emphysema?"
Said co-sponsor Sen. John Adler, D-Camden: "We're doing the right thing for public health. It's overdue. A year and a half late, but better late than not at all."