Gov. Phil Murphy Prohibits Smoking In NJ Casinos

NEW JERSEY — A few days after determining smoking in casinos could resume, Gov. Phil Murphy reversed course and announced Friday that he wouldn't allow it.

"We will take administrative action to prohibit smoking in indoor casinos," Murphy said. "We've looked closely at the science and agree with the experts who have concluded that allowing smoking is too big a risk to take."

Murphy issued an executive order Tuesday that allowed the resumption of indoor dining, beverage service on casino floors and indoor smoking in places it was already allowed.

Casino guests must wear masks when not drinking on the casino floor and must remain seated while doing so. Murphy allowed casinos to reopen in early July.

At least state legislator approved of Murphy's decision to keep smoking banned.

"As indoor dining is set to resume in a limited capacity, I appreciate the Governor’s ban on smoking inside casinos," State Senator Joseph Vitale said in a statement. "I am pleased he acknowledged the science and listened to those of us concerned with how smoking indoors would accelerate the spread of COVID-19. This was the right thing to do and safest decision for New Jerseyans.”

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