Jump to full article: Associated Press (AP), 2009-09-29
Author: WAYNE PARRY The Associated Press
Intro: e remains as hazy as the cigarette smoke over the blackjack tables.
Atlantic City was set to ban all smoking last October, but backed off when the recession hit, promising to reconsider in a year.
But there's still no consensus on whether to stick with the current arrangement, which permits smoking on 25 percent of the casino floor, or to try again for a total ban.
"Right now, I don't see where many minds have changed on council," said City Council President William "Speedy" Marsh, who plans to poll council members soon on the issue.
Marsh, who has battled health problems over the past year, said he personally favors trying again for a total ban on smoking. . . .
But the casinos continue to oppose a total ban. Already battered by the poor economy and fierce competition from Pennsylvania and New York slots parlors, the gambling halls fear even further revenue declines they say would happen when their smoking customers take their business elsewhere.
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