Action & News Alerts
GASP keeps you on top of tobacco control news and issues by posting smokefree news and action alerts.
Current News and Action Alerts:
- 02/17/12: Florida man seriously injured attempting to smoke an electronic cigarette
- 02-10-12: Revel Resorts announces first Atlantic City smokefree casino opening
- 01-18-12: NJ attorney general's office files suit against NY tobacco company
- 01-17-12: Revel Casino in Atlantic City to open in May 2012
- 01-15-12: Turkish Parliamentary Health Commission Chairman proposes a bill to shut down hookah cafes.
- 01-11-12: New book makes case for abolishing addictive tobacco products.
- 01-10-12: More companies are hiring non-smokers only.
- 01-03-12: NYC life expectancy increase linked to anti-smoking policies.
- 12-21-11: Atlantic City works to become more family-friendly.
- 12-18-11: Atlantic City's Golden Nugget opens a new smokefree poker room.
- 12-15-11: New Jersey listed as one of five worst states in helping residents quit tobacco.
- 12-14-11: Florham Park council votes 3-3 for an outdoor parks and recreational areas smoking ban.
- 12-13-11: New Book entitled, Golden Holocaust: Origins of the Cigarette Catastrophe and the Case for Abolition.
- 12-13-11: Summit Department of Community Programs researching an outdoor smoking ban for public property.
- 11-18-11: Ocean County YMCA becomes a complete tobacco free facility
- 11-17-11: Court Case upholds a New York City ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products
- 10-27-11: North Haledon passes an ordinance to ban smoking at outdoor recreational areas.
- 10-19-11: A Cape May ordinance to ban smoking on all beaches and the promenade passed 1st reading at the October 18 city council meeting.
- 10-06-11: Equalizing tax of tobacco products would close loophole.
- 10-04-11: England and Northern Ireland ban vending machine cigarette sales.
- 09-28-11: Report finds less than a penny of every dollar New Jersey raises from tobacco goes to smoking prevention and cessation.
- 09-23-11: Smokefree multi-unit housing topic at NJ Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development.
Archived Alerts by Subject:
Click a topic to read our past tobacco control news and action alerts by subject. Click the date of the alert for more details.
- New Jersey Tobacco Control Budget News
- GASP In the News
- Public Health & Quitting Tobacco
- Smokefree Casinos and Gaming
- Smokefree Environments for Children
- Smokefree Multi-Unit Housing
- Smokefree Outdoor Bans
- Other Tobacco Products (OTPs - includes e-cigs, hookahs, chew, etc.)
- Diabetes and Smoking
- Government and Legislation
GASP In the News
- 11-17-10: Arthritis Foundation Gala on November 13 attended by GASP
- 09-24-10: Chinese Delegates learn about Tobacco Control Legislation from New Jersey
- 12-21-09 ACTION: "The Pack" movie available on DVD
Public Health and Quitting
- 01-15-12: Turkish Parliamentary Health Commission Chairman proposes a bill to shut down hookah cafes.
- 01-11-12: New book makes case for abolishing addictive tobacco products.
- 01-10-12: More companies are hiring non-smokers only.
- 12-13-11: New Book entitled, Golden Holocaust: Origins of the Cigarette Catastrophe and the Case for Abolition.
- 08-16-11: Study finds menthol smokers have a harder time quitting.
- 06-15-11: New Jersey's free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offer to Quitline patients is a huge success.
- 05-11-11: Celebrate World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2011
- 12-20-10: Smoking while using oxygen tanks is dangerous
- 12-09-10: New U.S. Surgeon General's Report concludes that even occasional exposure to tobacco smoke is harmful and damage is immediate.
- 11-30-10: Secondhand smoke study shows more than 600,000 killed annually worldwide.
- 10-30-10: Study measures thirdhand smoke left in residential apartments when smoker moves out.
- 10-27-10: NJ Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. calls for ban on smokeless tobacco on the field and in the dugout, during 2010 World Series
- 09-28-10: Study raises health concerns of smokeless tobacco.
- 09-15-10 ACTION: Passaic County walk to be tobacco free on Saturday, November 14 at 9AM.
- 09-13-10: Editorial supports smokefree policies and warns of increased smoking rates.
- 09-07-10: U.S. CDC report concludes that, "Sustained, adequately funded comprehensive tobacco control programs could reduce adult smoking.".
- 08-30-10: Medicare expands coverage to help elderly smokers quit.
- 07-23-10: UN Council adopts resolution on tobacco use to protect women and children.
- 06-02-10: Study shows gene mutations in cancerous lung tumor of heavy smoker.
- 05-22-10: Hispanic Community event to raise awareness on smoking cessation.
- 03-17-10: Study shows smokers who quit see improved artery health within year.
- 01-20-10: Free Nicorette starter packs offered to participants of Legacy's EX® program.
- 12-16-09: World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that secondhand smoke kills 600,000 people every year.
- 10-23-09 ACTION: Passaic County walk to be tobacco free on Saturday, November 14 at 9AM
- 10-16-09: Institute of Medicine report concludes smoking bans reduce heart attacks
- 09-23-09: Fatty liver deposits attributed to secondhand tobacco smoke
- 06-22-09: The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (a.k.a. FDA Regulations HR 1256).
- 05-31-09 ACTION: May 31 marks World No Tobacco Day
- 05-28-09: Free lung screenings to study health effects of secondhand smoke.
Smokefree Casinos and Gaming
- 02-10-12: Revel Resorts announces first Atlantic City smokefree casino opening
- 12-21-11: Atlantic City works to become more family-friendly.
- 12-18-11: Atlantic City's Golden Nugget opens a new smokefree poker room.
- 06-22-11: The new casino resort Revel is likely to be the first smokefree casino in Atlantic City.
- 05-31-11: Atlantic City's new casino resort Revel exploring 100% smokefree property.
- 05-13-11: National Smokefree Gaming Symposium held in Las Vegas.
- 04-29-11: Navajo Nation Department of Justice review determines President's Executive Order that bans smoking in workplaces and public places can only apply to the Executive Branch.
- 04-27-11: Trump Taj Mahal Casino ordered to use original 25% smoking plan; other casinos also non-compliant.
- 04-25-11: Increased Health Risk from secondhand smoke in American Casinos.
- 12-03-10: $4.5 million settlement for Atlantic City casino worker who has lung cancer
- 11-01-10: Nevada law trumps Las Vegas Casinos trying to implement smokefree policies.
- 06-14-10 ACTION: Proposed legislation to allow smoking events at racetracks erodes smokefree air act
- 06-11-10: GASP educates casinos about benefits of smokefree gaming.
- 06-07-10: 2008 PA Clean Air Act causes enforcement issues and confusion at PA casinos.
- 10-21-09 ACTION: Atlantic City One Year Review of Casino Smoking Ordinance.
- 09-25-09: Smoking bans in public places reduce the number of heart attacks.
- 08-25-09: Pennsylvania allows the Sands Bethlehem slot casino to increase smoking on the gaming floor from 25% to 50%.
- 05-13-09 ACTION: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) releases study on secondhand smoke in Las Vegas Casinos.
- 01-10-09: Legislators from gaming states vote to support 100% smokefree gaming.
Smokefree Environments and Children
- 11/18/11: Ocean County YMCA becomes a complete tobacco free facility
- 10-04-11: England and Northern Ireland ban vending machine cigarette sales.
- 05-10-11: Secondhand smoke exposure increases risk of mental health disorders in children.
- 11-02-10 ACTION: School administrators can register by November 23 to attend a workshop for developing a comprehensive tobacco-free school policy.
- 06-08-10: Secondhand smoke exposure reduced for children living with smokefree air laws.
- 03-10-10: Children regularly exposed to tobacco smoke face a higher risk of developing early signs of clogged arteries.
- 12-30-09: Children regularly exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop early emphysema in adulthood
Smokefree Multi-Unit Housing
- 08-03-11: 100% of Maine's Public Housing Authorities are smokefree.
Smokefree Outdoor Bans
- 12-14-11: Florham Park council votes 3-3 for an outdoor parks and recreational areas smoking ban.
- 12-13-11: Summit Department of Community Programs researching an outdoor smoking ban for public property.
- 10-27-11: North Haledon passes an ordinance to ban smoking at outdoor recreational areas.
- 10-11-11: A Cape May ordinance to ban smoking on all beaches and the promenade to be introduced at the October 18 city council meeting.
- 07-14-11: Paramus makes all municipal recreational areas 100% smokefree.
- 06-28-11: Long Branch passes smokefree beach ordinance.
- 05-24-11: New York City and Philadelphia start 100% smokefree ban for outdoor recreational areas.
- 05-19-11: Seaside Heights bans smoking in recreational areas.
- 05-12-11: Cape May Borough considers smokefree beach ordinance.
- 02-22-11: New York City Mayor signs law making all NYC parks and recreation areas 100% smokefree.
- 12-16-10: South Orange passes legislation for outdoor smoking ban.
- 12-07-10: Runnemede passes a smokefree outdoor ordinance at its second reading.
- 11-08-10: Chatham Borough passes an ordinance to ban smoking at outdoor municipal parks
- 10-22-10: Clifton passes ordinance to ban smoking outdoors in recreational facilities.
- 09-26-10: Somerset County considers outdoor smoking ban.
- 09-21-10: Surf City, NJ resident pushes for smokefree beach ordinance.
- 09-16-10: New York City proposed ordinance mandates 100% smokefree parks
- 07-20-10: Chatham and Denville, NJ vote for 100% smokefree parks.
- 06-16-10: Union County parks 100% smokefree.
- 02-19-10: Outdoor Smoking Ban legislation heard 2/18 by NJ Senate Health Committee.
- 10-08-09: Trenton Psychiatric hospital goes smokefree.
- 09-18-09: NJ bill to be introduced that bans smoking in parks and beaches.
- 07-08-09: No smoking outdoors at 2 State Pyschiatric hospitals.
Other Tobacco Products (OTPs)
- 02/17/12: Florida man seriously injured attempting to smoke an electronic cigarette
- 01-31-12: Utah introduces legislation to ban electronic cigarettes and hookah use in public places
- 10-06-11: Equalizing tax of tobacco products would close loophole.
- 06-16-11: Teens in Bergenfield, NJ light up with hookah smoking.
- 05-20-11: Northern New Jersey hookah lounges found selling tobacco to minors.
- 02-11-11: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) plans prohibiting e-cigarettes on airplanes.
- 09-07-10: US Armed Forces change policies for smoking on submarines and use of e-cigarettes
- 04-02-10: Lawsuit about FDA importation ban of e-cigarettes into the USA pending appeal.
- 01-11-10: NJ Governor Jon Corzine signs into law a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places and workplaces, and a ban their sale to those under 19 years of age.
- 10-06-09: NY has first ordinance in the US banning the use of e-cigarettes and sale to minors.
- 08-24-09: Shisha or hookah smoking "as harmful as cigarettes" according to a UK Ministry of Health study.
- 08-14-09: FDA bans flavored cigarettes on September 22, 2009.
- 07-30-09: Electronic Cigarette Sales and Use Banned in Oregon and Israel.
- 07-22-09: FDA Report Regarding Potential Public Health Risks of Electronic Cigarettes.
- 12-01-08 ACTION: Report sale of NJ banned flavored cigarettes.
Diabetes and Smoking
- 11-03-09: November is American Diabetes Month.
Government and Legislation
- 01-18-12: NJ attorney general's office files suit against NY tobacco company
- 11-17-11: Court Case upholds a New York City ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products
- 07-06-11: FDA unveils graphic health warning labels for cigarette packaging and advertising.
- 05-04-11: National Disability Symposium held in smoky Las Vegas casino.
- 01-18-10: Lorillard fighting to prevent ban of menthol cigarettes
- 11-16-10: International journalists publish exposé on the tobacco industry's influence in 8 countries
- 09-16-10: Study released by the American Lung Association shows smoking costs NJ money.
- 08-05-10: Court decision upholds NJ SFAA in regulating smoking in hookah bars.
- 06-22-10: U.S. Federal Tobacco Control Act provisions take effect.
- 06-22-10: New Jersey ends funding for its Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program.
- 06-14-10: Proposed identical NJ Bills S2001/A2897 create an exemption to the NJ SFAA for cigar nights or smoking events at racet;racks and off-track wagering facilities (OTW).
- 06-01-10 ACTION: CDC study shows tobacco control programs work to reduce tobacco use: Don't end NJ's.
- 05-11-10: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services sets reduced tobacco use as strategic initiative.
- 05-04-10: FDA posts guidance for enforcing regulations related to the sale and distribution of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
- 03-18-10 ACTION: NJ Governor Christie plans to END state's tobacco control program
- 12-09-09: National Report shows NJ falls short in investing tobacco revenues in tobacco control and prevention efforts.
- 11-19-09: Tobacco Firms Exploit Tax Loophole.
- 10-23-09: New York City to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products.
- 06-25-09: Cigarette sales tax increased by 12.5 cents, effective July 1, 2009.
- 06-18-09: S2151 passed the NJ Senate to ban the sale of novelty lighters.
- 05-14-09 ACTION: DO NOT CUT state funding of NJ's Tobacco Control Program.
New Jersey Tobacco Control Budget News - Go to our Budget Alert webpage
- 12-15-11: New Jersey listed as one of five worst states in helping residents quit tobacco.
- 06-01-10 ACTION: CDC study shows tobacco control programs work to reduce tobacco use: Don't end NJ's.
- 03-18-10 ACTION: NJ Governor Christie plans to END state's tobacco control program
- 12-09-09: National Report shows NJ falls short in investing tobacco revenues in tobacco control and prevention efforts.
- 05-14-09 ACTION: DO NOT CUT state funding of NJ's Tobacco Control Program.
Last update: 12/14/11