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In terms of smoke-free air, New Jersey received an almost-perfect grade from the American Lung Association (ALA). The only thing holding the Garden State back from an ‘A’ is lawmakers’ continued failure to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos.
The ALA published a report that grades states from ‘A’ to ‘F’ in the following categories:
- Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Funding
- Tobacco Taxes
- Smoke-free Air
- Access to Cessation Services
New Jersey received an ‘F’ in the first two categories and a ‘C’ for access to cessation services. However, the American Lung Association gave the Garden State its best grade, a ‘B‘, for its smoke-free air policies, which apply everywhere except the casinos.
Despite getting the best grade in smoke-free air, the ALA gave the state a “thumbs-down” in its notes. That’s because lawmakers had the chance to rectify the casino smoking policy last year, but didn’t.
American Lung Association comes down hard on New Jersey
The 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act eliminated smoking in most indoor establishments in the Garden State, except for casinos. Properties are permitted to allow smoking in up to 25% of the gaming floor.
Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr. (D) introduced a bill in January 2024 that would ban smoking in smoking in casinos. However, it did not move past the Senate Committee.
That is why the ALA gave New Jersey a thumbs-down “for failing to pass legislation to close the loophole for casinos in its smoke-free air law.”
Much of the ALA’s critiques had to do with casino-smoking, calling for the state to close the loophole. The organization said in its highlights:
“The plight of New Jersey’s casino workers has become a major statewide issue and has garnered national attention. Unfortunately, promises have been made and broken from the legislature when it comes to passing a smokefree casinos bill. However, the longer the legislature continues to delay action, the more casino workers join the efforts to push for bill passage.
“It is time for legislative leaders in Trenton to finally break the gridlock and commit to putting the health of casino workers first. New Jersey was an early national leader in smokefree efforts, but Atlantic City’s casino workers must be afforded the same smokefree protections that workers across the state have enjoyed for over two decades in 2025.”
Since a new legislative session began on Jan. 14, a new bill would have to be introduced.
What else New Jersey needs to improve
The Garden State received poor marks in the Tobacco Prevention and Control Funding and taxes categories. It funds the control programs a total of $9.4 million, combining federal and state aid.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends funding of $103.3 million for New Jersey. The state is only using 9.1% of the recommended level.
New Jersey also has a poor tax structure, according to the ALA. The Garden State collects a $2.70 tax on a 20-pack of cigarettes, but does not tax cigars, smokeless tobacco or pipes. The ALA suggested the following:
“New Jersey needs to regain its nationwide leadership role by passing a significant tobacco excise tax, increasing tobacco control program funding and preventing the sale of flavored tobacco products.”
