caudio51
BoM Nov '05; Mar '06
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/
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 All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.