Atlantic City Casinos No Smoking Ban Lifts This Sunday

The year-long smoking ban in all Atlantic City casinos is coming to an end this Sunday which is smack dab in the middle of the big 4th of July weekend.

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The nearly year-long casino smoking ban was put into effect amidst the lingering concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Phil Murphy signed an order earlier this week all but ending New Jersey's public health emergency according to 6 ABC. The smoking ban must end within 30 days once the public health emergency is over.

Casino workers want the smoking ban to be a permanent one and are pushing hard to work in a smoke-free environment for obvious health reasons. Lawmakers are considering enforcing the no-smoking ban on a permanent basis and the Governor would look favorably on such a measure according to the report.

The Governor first closed all casinos due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020. The no-smoking ban went into effect when the casinos reopened again in late June of 2020.

Even though smoking is only permitted to no more than 25% on the casino floor, secondhand smoke can still cause health issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, second-hand smoke can cause heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. People who don't smoke, but are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or work increase their chance of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent.

sources: 6abc.com  cdc.gov