The New Jersey Supreme Court blocked an injunction request made by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) last week that would have suspended indoor smoking inside Atlantic City casinos.
After a New Jersey Superior Court judge ruled against CEASE members last month, going to the Supreme Court was the next step. While the result might have been expected, it doesn’t change the disappointment.
“We’re disappointed by the court’s decision, but we can’t afford to wait any longer,” Pete Naccarelli, CEASE co-founder and a table games dealer, told PlayNJ on Wednesday.
“The legislature could bring this up for a vote tomorrow — with bipartisan support — and end the daily exposure we face. How many more cancer diagnoses will it take before the legislature acts? We need them to move quickly to protect our health and safety.”
NJ Supreme Court is still an option for CEASE, UAW
Despite a blocked injunction that would speed up the process, the appeal at the NJ Supreme Court is still in play. However, it could take some for a decision to be on whether the case gets heard, or not.
CEASE and the UAW union brought on the lawsuit in April, accusing the state of violating the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act. Despite it losing in the Superior Court and a blocked injunction, the fight at the Supreme Court level is still on.
It is unknown if and when the Supreme Court makes a decision on hearing the case.
Republicans show support of Atlantic City casino smoking ban
Despite the appealing the Supreme Court being a longshot, the fight to do so is still worth it. In addition, Republicans have voiced support over the smoking issue, according to InsiderNJ:
“If Democrats are serious about protecting workers, Republicans are ready to help pass the bill. We need legislative action, not excuses,” Republican Leader John DiMaio (R- Hunterdon, Somerset & Warren) said.
“This isn’t about politics, it’s about doing what’s right for workers and their families. With significant bipartisan support, there’s no reason not to get this done.”
The bill S1493 has bipartisan support as Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr. (D) introduced it January, and is currently sitting in the Senate committee. Dan Vicente, UAW Region 9 Director, wants movement on the bill.
“We expect to this happen and if you can’t make that happen and are not willing to make that happen, UAW doesn’t consider you a friend to the movement,” he said.
CEASE to publish digital campaign
During a press conference earlier this month, CEASE announced it will release a digital campaign, called “Kids of CEASE,” across multiple social platforms. The campaigns are expected to run in certain legislative districts, including Assemblyman Moen’s in Audobon.
The videos will include the children and grandchildren of Atlantic City casino employees.
“We want to show people we’re not just numbers, we’re not just ‘those casino workers.’ We’re real people with real families,” Naccarelli said earlier this month.
“And to tell people, like us, ‘go get another job’ and I have two kids to support, a wife and a house, it’s just unfair. The digital campaign will be showing us with our families and our kids.”
Despite the latest legal setbacks, CEASE and UAW remain steadfast in eliminating smoking inside Atlantic City casinos.
