Assembly Republicans recruit health commissioner to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (Atlantic County) – New Jersey Assembly Republicans are enlisting the help of Dr. Kaitlan Baston, the state health department commissioner, to finally ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos.
Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, Deputy Leader Antwan McClellan, Conference Leader Christopher DePhillips, Whip Brian Bergen, Budget Officer Nancy Munoz and Parliamentarian Brian Rumpf drafted a letter to Baston following last week’s meeting with casino workers, advocates from Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, and union representatives from the United Auto Workers, seeking to close the indoor smoking ban loophole.
The 2005 Smoke-Free Air Act banned smoking in most workplaces except casinos. Republicans say then-state health commissioner Fred M. Jacobs testified in hearings and led a public campaign to ensure its passage. It’s now time for Baston to step up.
“As New Jersey’s top health official today, it’s your turn to take a stand. It’s your turn—your job and duty—to complete the mission and protect the health of every New Jersey worker. No exceptions,” they argued.
In 2018, New Jersey expanded the smoke-free law to include outdoor areas like public beaches and parks, but kept the indoor exemption for casinos. Smoking is currently allowed on 25% of casino floors and designated areas – limits imposed by a local ordinance nearly two decades ago.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that there is no safe level of exposure. Even brief contact can cause immediate harm and serious health issues. As a doctor, you know a full smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos is the right choice,” they wrote. “The loophole politically created in 2005 no longer serves a purpose. This is a crucial moment that requires your medical leadership.”
Following the casino workers’ recent unsuccessful lawsuit to ban smoking, Republicans pledged support for a legislative solution if the Democratic majority cannot gather the votes. Last year, Assembly and Senate committees held impassioned hearings on the issue, but the bill to ban smoking in casinos never made it to a floor vote.
“We believe you have the courage to live up to your resume regardless of the politics and protect casino workers exposed to cancer risks. We urge you to act now to help close this loophole and extend the protections of the Smoke-Free Air Act to casino workers,” they wrote.
Gov. Phil Murphy has said if the legislation reached his desk, he would sign it into law.