Full ban on casino smoking approved by Senate


By PETE McALEER Statehouse Bureau, (609) 292-4935
June 22, 2007


TRENTON — 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.”


After the indoor smoking ban passed last year with casino gaming floors exempted, Atlantic City Council approved legislation that banned smoking on 75 percent of gaming floors. Council then revisited that agreement last month, passing a resolution that encouraged the state to adopt a complete ban.

The rest of the story at http://www.smokersclubinc.com/module...ticle&sid=4463