A video poker player enjoys a cigarette while gambling in Nevada. Back east, anti-smoking efforts to ban indoor smoking inside Atlantic City casinos are underway. (Image:
Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Anti-smoking advocates this week celebrated the 15th anniversary of New Jersey’s passage of the Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006. As the name implies, the legislation ensures workers have a workplace that is free of smoke. However, the statute included a caveat that excludes casinos in Atlantic City from adhering to the ban on indoor smoke.
COVID-19 resulted in numerous health safety measures being implemented at casinos across the nation. One in Atlantic City indicated that casinos temporarily suspend indoor smoking. Anti-smoking advocates say state officials should pass legislation that permanently outlaws smoking indoors in any public setting.
Smoking foes: Make COVID casino smoking ban permanent in NJ
by Wayne Parry, The Associated Press
Posted Apr 15, 2021 1:43 pm EDT
Last Updated Apr 15, 2021 at 1:44 pm EDT
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. Health advocates say New Jersey’s temporary coronavirus-related ban on smoking in the Atlantic City casinos should be made permanent, and some state legislators said Thursday they will push to make that happen.
But the casinos say permanently banning smoking once the pandemic has ended will drive away customers, leading to job losses and lower tax revenue for the state. They say the gambling halls have invested heavily in air filtration equipment that renders the workspaces safe.
Terry Glebocki, the CEO of Ocean Casino Resort, becomes the trade organization’s first female president, succeeding Steve Callender, who retired in March.
“I am privileged and honored to succeed Steve Callender as the next president of the Casino Association of New Jersey,” Glebocki said in a prepared statement. “Steve successfully led our organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are grateful for the strength and leadership he has shown in these unprecedented times.
“I am thrilled to lead the CANJ forward as we work to help Atlantic City and the region recover from this devastating pandemic and continue the ongoing revitalization of this world-class destination resort.”
Atlantic City casinos urged to make smoking ban permanent mcall.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mcall.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.