ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan says she continues to support a compromise that would further restrict smoking inside Atlantic City casinos rather than impose a complete ban, citing concerns that eliminating smoking entirely could cost casino jobs.
Rowan, a Democrat representing New Jersey's 2nd Legislative District, discussed the long-running casino smoking debate Friday during an appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
“In full disclosure, I am on a bill that is the compromise bill, because there's a real fear if smoking is outlawed totally, then it's going to affect the employment, and people would lose their jobs,” Rowan said.
But Rowan also indicated there appears to be little immediate momentum in Trenton for resolving the issue.
“I have not heard much chatter about the smoking bill being brought up, so to be quite honest, I don't know what's going to happen with it,” she said.
The comments come as Atlantic City's casino smoking debate remains unresolved despite years of pressure from casino employees who argue they should receive the same workplace protections from secondhand smoke as most other New Jersey workers.
New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act generally prohibits indoor smoking in workplaces and public places, but Atlantic City's casinos are permitted to allow it on up to 25% of their gaming floors.
Rowan is a prime sponsor of Assembly Bill 4899, introduced in May, which would preserve limited casino smoking while placing additional restrictions on where it could occur.
Under the proposal, smoking could continue in designated portions of the casino floor containing slot machines and other electronic gaming devices. Smoking would not be permitted within 15 feet of a table-game pit staffed by live dealers.
The legislation would also permit casinos to establish enclosed smoking rooms equipped with separate ventilation systems. Employees could not be required to work as stationary employees inside those rooms unless they voluntarily agreed to do so.
The Senate version, S698, is sponsored by Sens. John Burzichelli and Michael Testa.
The compromise is significantly different from legislation supported by casino workers and anti-smoking advocates that would eliminate the casino exemption from New Jersey's indoor smoking law altogether.
Assembly Bill 2354 would remove the exemption and require Atlantic City casinos to become entirely smoke-free.
That effort has drawn strong support from members of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, commonly known as CEASE, whose members have repeatedly argued that partial restrictions and enclosed smoking areas do not adequately protect workers from secondhand smoke.
Supporters of a complete ban also dispute warnings that smoke-free casinos would result in substantial job losses, pointing to smoke-free casinos operating in other states.
The casino industry has historically raised a different concern: that a total smoking ban could put Atlantic City at a competitive disadvantage against casinos in neighboring states where smoking remains permitted, potentially costing revenue and jobs.
Rowan said Friday that she believes there is room for additional protections without going as far as a complete ban.
“Right now, smoking is allowed on only 25% of the floor,” Rowan said. “But they'd have to build more things, but I believe the casinos are on board with that.”
Cronick questioned whether the existing 25% restriction is adequately enforced, saying that based on his own experience inside the casinos, he does not believe it is.
Rowan did not endorse that assertion.
“I don't know. I can't speak to that,” she said.
She nevertheless said casinos could do more to address smoking and secondhand-smoke exposure.
“I think they can do better,” Rowan said. “I think there's things they can do to help that experience, put in better systems, maybe, and things like that. And that's what the compromise bill would do.”
The legislative stalemate is unfolding alongside a separate court fight over the casino smoking exemption.
In January, a New Jersey appeals court revived a constitutional challenge brought by casino workers seeking to overturn the exemption, sending the case back for further proceedings. The workers argue the state should not subject casino employees to secondhand smoke in circumstances where most other New Jersey workers are protected.
That leaves the future of casino smoking potentially being shaped on two fronts: in the Legislature, where lawmakers remain divided between a complete ban and a compromise, and in the courts.
For now, Rowan's comments suggest lawmakers returning to Trenton after the summer recess may not be preparing for an immediate vote on either approach.
Rowan represents the 2nd Legislative District, which includes Atlantic City and much of Atlantic County.
Her comments came during Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND. Off The Press airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
