Atlantic City casinos cleared to resume smoking, drinking on gaming floor

Atlantic City casino gamblers will be able to consume alcohol and smoke on the gaming floor this Labor Day weekend, a change that will be welcomed by some customers and loathed by others.

On Tuesday, the office of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 183, which states that food and beverage operations in the state can resume indoor service at 25% capacity starting Friday (4) at 6am, subject to existing health and safety guidelines.

Casinos, which have been operating at 25% capacity since they were allowed to reopen on July 2 following their nearly four-month COVID-19 closure, will be allowed to serve drinks to customers on the gaming floor. However, hooch must be ordered through a server and quaffing customers must remain seated while consuming the bevvy of their choice.

The news comes just days after Gov. Murphy signed legislation to permanently allow patrons within the Atlantic City Tourism District – including areas of the beach and boardwalk – to consume alcohol from open containers.