It has been a year since Atlantic City decided to throw out the idea of going totally smoke free in their many casinos. Last October Atlantic City was planning on banning all smoking but then backed off as the recession hit and officials were afraid of losing money. They made the decision to reconsider a ban in one year. Now that year is up and officials are still unclear on what they would like to do.

Right now the casinos in Atlantic City permit smoking on 25% of the casino floor. Officials are unclear on if they want to keep it like it is or try again to ban smoking altogether. William Marsh the City Council President commented: “Right now, I don’t see where many minds have changed on the council.” A poll is planned in the near future with the council to see where everyone stands.

Casinos in Atlantic City oppose a total ban as they are already suffering from the poor economy as well as competition from neighboring states, New York and Pennsylvania. Many casino owners are worried about what would happen if a total ban was set in place.

So it seems casino owners will just have to wait and see what the poll says from the City Council and if they are going to keep it like it is or change to a full ban in the future.




- 2009-10-01