This Thursday, January 15, will mark 20 years since former Governor Richard Codey signed into law the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, landmark legislation that balked precedent and risked the unknown in service of New Jerseyans’ health, quality of life and ability to thrive. It paid off, bringing smoking rates down across the state and allowing businesses to thrive in a new landscape. Unfortunately, casinos were excluded from such progress, and their business and employees’ health have suffered as a result. Now, days away from a new administration, health advocates are calling on state leaders to finally—after two decades—close the casino loophole.
The following is a statement from Quinton Law, New Jersey government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network:
“A whole generation of New Jerseyans have grown up not having to inhale toxic secondhand smoke while they eat in restaurants, browse their local shops and start their first job. To them, smoke-free spaces are the norm, and the proliferation of smoke-free policies across neighboring states have made it so that, most everywhere they go, they will be free from encountering the thick plumes that plagued generations past. But, as these young New Jerseyans enter into adulthood and look to visit Atlantic City’s premiere establishments, that reality breaks down along with our hopes for a tobacco-free generation.
“For 20 years, most everyone in New Jersey, including the youngest among us, has enjoyed the benefits of going smoke-free: lower smoking rates, reduced cancer incidence, improved working conditions, sustained business success. Casino workers have been deprived of those benefits, forced to confront—day after day—dangerous secondhand smoke simply because of where they work. Despite the overwhelming evidence that secondhand smoke kills, state leaders have kept the loophole intact and allowed casino employees, many of whom spend long shifts on the gaming floor, to face persistent exposure that puts their health at risk.
“This anniversary provides lawmakers and Governor-elect Mikie Sherill with a chance to honor the legacy of the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act—what is a cornerstone of public health law in our state—and ensure no New Jerseyan is left behind in reaping its benefits. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network urges state leaders to not let another year come and go before we end smoking in casinos. Any compromise to that end amounts to a compromise on the health and safety of the hardest working among us.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.