Atlantic City's casino smoking ban becomes law

Atlantic City Mayor Scott Evans signed into law yesterday an ordinance requiring smoke-free gaming floors in the city's 11 casinos.

The ban, which requires casinos that want to allow smoking to construct enclosed, nongaming lounges, takes effect Oct. 15.

Meanwhile, one of the city's biggest gambling houses - the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - announced yesterday that it had submitted plans to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for smoking lounges outside the building. The lounges would make the Borgata the first 100-percent-smoke-free casino in Atlantic City.

"We feel this decision will best maintain the fresh, upscale atmosphere associated with Borgata, while accommodating both smokers and nonsmokers alike," a company statement said.

The nine-member City Council had unanimously approved the controversial full smoking ban last month.

"People's health should not be made subservient to financial considerations," Evans said last week after the council voted, 9-0, in favor of the measure. Evans signed the bill yesterday at the city's United Auto Workers union hall. Casino workers and health advocates attended the signing.