Casino exemption could burn NJ's smoking ban

[caudio51]

Keeping my fingers crossed but this is highly unlikely. If anything, you won't be able to smoke in the casinos now. I agree 100%, small business should not be hurt while the casino still can let people smoke.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/03/07/smoking.ban.suit.ap/

Casino exemption could burn state's smoking ban

Bar, bowling alley owners sue New Jersey, claiming unfair edge



ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (AP) -- Fuming that a New Jersey smoking ban excludes the state's casinos, a coalition of bars, restaurants and bowling alley operators sued the state Tuesday, claiming the law is unconstitutional.
"What's happening here is that the state of New Jersey is giving an unfair advantage to the Atlantic City casinos," said plaintiff Armando Frallicciardi Jr., proprietor of Lorenzo's Restaurant, a Trenton landmark known for its cigar-friendly atmosphere.
The New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, which goes into effect April 15, bans smoking in restaurants, bars, private office buildings and other indoor places, but it permits it on the casino floors of Atlantic City's 12 gambling halls.
Some supporters said the exemption was needed to keep the casinos competitive with those in other states where smoking is allowed.
Casinos lobbied for the exemption, saying a universal smoking ban would drive business away, lead to job losses and cut into the state's share of casino revenues.
Last month, a Superior Court judge denied a request by bowling alley operators to stop then-acting Gov. Richard J. Codey from signing legislation, saying his status as governor had ended. Gov. Jon S. Corzine was sworn in just days after Codey signed the bill. The new lawsuit was filed in federal court.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

[Wasch_24]

They have a valid point though...I don't know about the constitutionality of it but they have a point.

 

[smokem94]

The Colorado Senate was ready to vote on and pass a statewide smoking ban and it too had a casino exemption which has put the vote on hold and may also kill the bill.

 

[joshua]

Actually, business at all the bars and restaurants in new york have gone up since they instituted their ban. But jeez, why can't we have a provision allowing smoking if a restaurant/bar has a designated smoking area with proper ventillation. Somebody should push for that at least. I'm gonna have to write some government people and suggest it.

 

[caudio51]

There have also been a lot of bars that closed in NYC. There's a site with the list and the conditions of why they closed in relation to the smoking ban.

 

[cvm4]

They have a valid point and are only protecting their interests.

 

[MichiganM]

The coalition has definitely made a fine point. I hope for you Jersey boy's sake that it gets overturned because of it. This may set precedent everywhere. We'll see how it goes. Keep us posted!

 

[Wasch_24]

This could backfire because DC allows an exception for Tobacconists and cigar bars in their ban.

 

[caudio51]

This could backfire because DC allows an exception for Tobacconists and cigar bars in their ban.

That is currently how it is written up, which worries me like you said. :frown:

 

[Poni]

This could backfire because DC allows an exception for Tobacconists and cigar bars in their ban.

I know both New York and New Jersey will have this exception as long as a certain percentage of revenue comes from tabacco.

 

[robusto_ps]

One of the appealling points of living in Nevada is you can still smoke almost anywhere.

That and of course exit 28.

 

[stonewallcadet]

Actually, business at all the bars and restaurants in new york have gone up since they instituted their ban. But jeez, why can't we have a provision allowing smoking if a restaurant/bar has a designated smoking area with proper ventillation. Somebody should push for that at least. I'm gonna have to write some government people and suggest it.

There is an interesting article about this in the winter issue of "Cigar Magazine" it seems that the supporters of the smoking Ban simply manipulated numbers like they always do and the numbers they spit out don't prove the ban helped business at all. If it is so good for business to ban smoking then it should be left up to business owners to make the decision and logic would suggest they would ban smoking if they thought it would really help them. The exceptions of most states with smoking bans surprising include the casinos that bring them great tax revenues. This two faced display should be attacked if banning smoking doesn't hurt business then why don't they ban it at the casinos.

 

[jasontp]

yeah, the coffee shop had to remove our smoking section. In our case there was no feasable way to filter the air properly, and it was driving away business. As long as a non-smoking section is provided. What the hell gives these people the right to tell someone how to run their business. GOD I HATE POLITICIANS!