TRENTON, NJ – Gov. Murphy has issued an Executive Order that permits casinos to allow smoking indoors, where it was allowed before actions dealing with COVID-19 were initiated. The Executive Order also lifts the prohibition of smoking in outdoor areas that serve food. The Executive Order takes effect on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Michael Davoli released the following statement:
“On Friday an Executive Order issued by Governor Murphy goes into effect that will once again allow smoking indoors in casinos after having been prohibited as part of New Jersey’s plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Order will also allow smoking in outdoor areas that serve food. It will also put the health of casino workers at risk.
“For years employees of casinos have suffered from second-hand smoke unnecessarily while all other workers in New Jersey can breathe fresh air while they're working. As casinos prepare to reopen we should take a serious look at what we can do to make them healthier and safer places for all employees and patrons.
“Secondhand smoke has the same harmful chemicals that smokers inhale and there’s no safe level of exposure for secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that can cause cancer.
“While Gov. Murphy took a positive step in his revised budget by raising cigarette taxes by $1.65 this Executive Order will put the health and the lives of casino employees and patrons at risk. To help protect all New Jerseyans Gov. Murphy should work with the legislature to protect all workers in New Jersey.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.