Codey Signs Smoking Ban into Law

//January 16, 2006//

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Casinos and cigar bars get amnesty from legislation that douses cigarettes in bars and restaurants.On Sunday, Governor Richard J. Codey signed into law the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act in spite of protests by restaurant and bar owners.

Starting April 15, smoking will be illegal at most public indoor locations. Exempted are cigar bars, tobacco retailers and the gambling areas in casinos. That concession drew the ire of bar and restaurant owners who fear the loss of business as their smoking patrons are forced out into the cold.

Anti-smoking forces, including the New Jersey Group Against Smoking Pollution, plan to continue lobbying to eliminate the exemption in the law for casino gambling areas.