A former New Jersey lawmaker who co-authored the state's Smoke-Free Air Act is advocating for the removal of the casino smoking exemption that has been in place for nearly two decades.

Loretta Weinberg, who served as a Democratic legislator for 30 years and retired as Senate majority leader in 2022, was the primary sponsor of the 2006 legislation that banned indoor smoking in most public places and workplaces in New Jersey. However, the law included a controversial exemption for casinos.

In a recent op-ed in The Star-Ledger, Weinberg explained that the casino exemption was a necessary compromise to pass the bill, as lawmakers faced strong opposition from the tobacco industry. She expressed disappointment that the "unjustified loophole" remains open nearly 20 years later.

The current law allows casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games to designate indoor smoking areas. While the Casino Association of New Jersey and Unite Here Local 54 (representing non-gaming workers) oppose a smoking ban citing potential job losses, table game dealers' unions support it.

Weinberg referenced the 2024 Surgeon General's report, which revealed how the tobacco industry used fear and misinformation to manipulate third parties, including unions, to oppose smoking restrictions. She urged lawmakers to act quickly on pending legislation to close the casino smoking loophole, emphasizing that casino workers deserve the same safe workplace conditions as other employees.

Senator Joe Vitale and other legislators are expected to continue pushing for a complete casino smoking ban in the upcoming legislative session, aiming to protect workers' health and safety.

Related Articles

Previous Articles