Casino Anti-Smoking Protestors Light Up In Senate HearingProtest Comes After Efforts Defeated In Atlantic City |
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After a recent effort to ban all smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos fell short, several casino workers showed up and lit up during a New Jersey Senate Health Committee meeting last Thursday.
The puffing protest included members of C.E.A.S.E. (Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects) and other casino union members. Those who chose to smoke were escorted out of the meeting by state troopers. Some protestors expressed frustration that legislators weren’t able to reach an agreement on ending casino smoking.
“Two days ago, I was on a table with two guys smoking cigars. It’s horrible,” casino worker Lamont White told CBS News Philadelphia. “Your eyes start burning. My throat gets raw, and I don’t want to breathe.”
No Agreement Reached
The protest comes after legislative efforts fell apart in early December. Lawmakers couldn’t get enough votes to move a proposal out of committee.
Some legislators indicated they would seek a compromise with casinos, such as an 18-month smoking ban phase-in or allowing properties to build enclosed smoking areas with air treatment systems.
“There could be a compromise put on the table that could bring the votes … that will ensure it passes,” Sen. Fred Madden (D) said.
Current law allows smoking on 25% of the casino floor, but C.E.A.S.E. members are seeking a complete ban of the practice. However, some lawmakers also expressed concerns that the changes may result in job losses. The Casino Association of New Jersey echoed those thoughts.
“It is clear that more and more people realize that the bill, as drafted, will have a significant adverse effect on Atlantic City’s economy,” the group noted in a statement. “A broad coalition of stakeholders – workers, seniors, people with disabilities, civil rights organizations, labor, business, community leaders, and a number of legislators – oppose this legislation, recognizing that it will hurt working-class people, endanger thousands of jobs and jeopardize the millions of dollars in tax revenue dedicated to New Jersey’s seniors and people with disabilities.”
The group also noted that the industry is willing to compromise and continues to negotiate to reach an agreement.
“We look forward to continuing this dialogue as we move forward, to find a compromise that will address the concerns of our employees without jeopardizing jobs and benefits to some of our most vulnerable citizens. The casino industry will continue to work with stakeholders on a compromise that supports the betterment of the city, the tourism and gaming industries, and the collective interest of the entire Atlantic City workforce.”
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