Smoking remains banned at New Jersey casinos

Governor Phil Murphy has said there’s no update on smoking returning to New Jersey casinos after it was banned under anti-Covid-19 protocols.

US.- New Jersey banned smoking at casinos as a temporary measure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s still uncertain when, and if, the ban will be lifted.

During a news conference, Governor Phill Murphy said there’s “no update on smoke, nothing there”, despite expectations that casinos would be allowed to permit smoking again in the coming weeks.

Some people argue that the temporary ban should be made permanent, but casino operators in Atlantic City say that a permanent ban would harm operations.

The Casino Association of New Jersey said in a statement: “Atlantic City casinos cater to a diverse and dynamic cross section of guests, including both smokers and non-smokers. Banning smoking permanently would have long-term financial implications for the industry and the region.

“Going completely nonsmoking would place Atlantic City casinos at a competitive disadvantage with other nearby casinos that allow smoking.

“A smoking ban would have a significant adverse effect on Atlantic City, resulting in a decline in customers which would cause job loss, and ultimately a decline in tax revenue,” they assured.

Casinos said that have had independent experts review their air filtration systems, “confirming their effectiveness in exchanging large volumes of air and keeping the air quality fresh and clean.”