New Jersey Governor Urges Lawmakers To Tackle Atlantic City Casino Smoking Debate

Gov. Mikie Sherrill wants to see the New Jersey Legislature "get to work" on resolving the question of whether smoking should be banned in the city's casinos.

However, she did say she will be having talks with legislative leaders on their timetable for considering long-pending legislation that would either ban smoking outright or allow it to continue with additional restrictions.

Sherrill said the issue needs to be decided through legislation, not by relying on the courts.

The proposed smoking ban is being pushed on two fronts by workers who have enlisted substantial bipartisan support from lawmakers, while pressing a lawsuit in state court seeking a court-imposed ban on casino smoking.

Currently, smoking is allowed on no more than 25% of a casino floor. But cigarette and cigar smoke wafts throughout the gambling floor, regardless of the designated areas where it is allowed.

"There’s litigation right now, but they really need legislation," Sherrill said. "I’ve heard from workers on both sides, those people who want the smoking ban, people who don’t and are worried about business. I think what we need to do first and foremost is make sure we’re protecting the safety of workers and at the same time ensuring that we have jobs and we’re continuing to grow the economy here.

"That requires hearings," the governor said. "So I’m looking forward to seeing our Legislature get to work on this. We’re constantly having discussions with the Legislature, and this is one that we’ll be talking to them about, the timetable on how they want to move forward and making sure that we’re caring for workers and ensuring that they both are safe on the job and not having to choose between having a job and their health."