Regulates smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities.
If enacted, S2651 will directly impact health regulations surrounding smoking in public spaces within the casino sector. The bill permits smoking in up to 25 percent of the gaming area and stipulates that smoking can only occur in areas clearly marked for that purpose. Moreover, various safety protocols, including the requirement for separate ventilation systems to minimize smoke recirculation, are prescribed. This creates a balance between the rights of patrons who wish to smoke and the health considerations of non-smokers and employees.
Senate Bill S2651 proposes to amend the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act specifically to regulate smoking within casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Introduced on February 12, 2024, by Senators John J. Burzichelli and Gordon M. Johnson, the bill allows for designated smoking areas within these facilities, which had been previously restricted under the comprehensive smoke-free law. The intention is to uplift the casino industry's competitiveness by reintroducing smoking sections, provided they adhere to strict regulations regarding air quality and employee safety.
The bill is not without controversy, as it raises concerns about public health and employee welfare. Critics argue that allowing smoking in casinos contradicts the fundamental principles of the smoke-free initiative designed to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke. Opponents fear that the relaxation of restrictions may set a precedent for further rollback of health regulations in other public spaces, undermining years of progress in tobacco control. Discussions have also highlighted the potential pressure on employees who might feel compelled to work in smoking-designated areas despite health risks.