April 24, 2008 - 3:31pm
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MCKEON: WITH SMOKING BAN IN CASINOS, NEW JERSEY FINALLY KICKS THE HABIT

Assembly Democrats News Release

MCKEON: WITH SMOKING BAN IN CASINOS, NEW JERSEY FINALLY KICKS THE HABIT
Assemblyman Says Smoking Ban in Atlantic City Casinos Closes Last Loophole to Clean Air

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman John F. McKeon, co-sponsor of  the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, today welcomed the Atlantic City Council's passage of an ordinance that will ban smoking in casinos as of October 15.

Gaming areas in Atlantic City's eleven casinos were exempt from the statewide ban on smoking in workplaces and indoor public places that took effect in 2006. The city council unanimously voted last  night to ban smoking on casino floors.

McKeon made the following statement:

"Come October, New Jersey will finally kick the habit and close the last loophole that kept our smoking ban from truly being state-wide.

"I commend the city council for putting the health of the public and tens of thousands of casino workers at the forefront.

"The ban is a victory for all who will visit the casinos. It will be especially beneficial to employees whose health has been compromised every day by exposure to high levels of smoke for long hours.

"With this ban, Atlantic City has delivered a victory for the public's right to breathe clean air and the right of workers not to gamble with their health when they work on casino floors."

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GITA BAJAJ can be reached via email at gbajaj@njleg.org.