N.J. casinos to Gov. Sherrill: Assist ban smoking in casinos

Cynthia Hallett, president of the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, mentioned 21 states require their casinos to be smoke-free and {that a} rising variety of casinos throughout the area are prohibiting smoking as a result of it’s good for enterprise.

“Four states in the regional area of New Jersey, including New York, Connecticut, Maryland and Delaware, require their commercial casinos to be smoke-free,” she mentioned. “In the nearby area of Philadelphia, Parx Casino, which went voluntarily smoke-free during COVID and remained that way because of customer and worker preference, is the highest-grossing casino in Pennsylvania.”

She mentioned many officers throughout the on line casino business perceive that tastes and behaviors have modified with regard to smoking, and that these tastes and behaviors must be addressed to maintain individuals coming again to the brick-and-mortar casinos.

“The seven most dangerous words in business are ‘We have always done it this way,’” she mentioned.

A measure within the New Jersey Legislature has repeatedly been launched to ban smoking in casinos, however the invoice has not moved out of committee.

Hallett famous that many lawmakers assist the hassle to ban smoking in casinos.

“Why then is this bill not moving further? Given my 30 years working on this issue as an advocate, it’s clear it is difficult for us to fight against big corporate entities like the tobacco industry, and, unfortunately, also the casino industry,” she mentioned.

Johanna Rochat is an oncology nurse and volunteer with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

She mentioned on daily basis, she treats most cancers sufferers who’re shocked, looking out and determined for solutions. She mentioned there are various issues we nonetheless have no idea about most cancers.

“But we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that secondhand smoke causes cancer,” she mentioned. “It includes hundreds of chemicals that are toxic, yet for 20 years, we have forced hardworking New Jerseyans to risk their lives for their livelihood.”