Citizens either love it or hate it, but smoking is now permitted again at Atlantic City Casinos. The City Council voted to overturn a temporary smoking ban that began just twelve days ago. The mayor, Scott K. Evans, signed a measure after the vote to overturn the ban.

On November 16th casinos will have to change back to a previous arraignment where smoking is only permitted on 25% or less of the casino floor. The Council voted to overturn the ruling after casinos stated the slow economy and revenue was already in decline because of competition from other slot machine facilities in other states.

It seems as though workers and players are divided on the issue. Some are happy they are allowed to smoke again and some are mad that smoking is back on. Many employees of the casinos showed up to the City Council meeting. One side yelled: “Save our lives!” while others yelled “Save our Jobs!”

The previous smoking ban, casinos could create enclosed ventilated smoking lounges for their gamblers. Eight of the eleven Atlantic City casinos have created such lounges and they seem to create some relief. It is possible that if others follow suit then the employees as well as patrons may be in agreement with those for the new ruling if they are free from the smoke they despise.


- 2008-10-28