Two years after New Jersey banned smoking in most public buildings, the last groups not affected ?casino workers and patrons ?could soon be included under a new, local provision of the law.

The City Council here is scheduled to vote on final approval next week to a smoking ban on its 11 casino floors starting Oct. 15. Smoking would still be permitted in enclosed smoking lounges where there would be no gambling.

New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act took effect April 15, 2006, prohibiting smoking in restaurants, bars, office buildings and other indoor spaces. It carries fines of $250 to $1,000 for people who light up and businesses that let them. The one exception then: Atlantic City casinos, which argued that a smoking ban would drive away business.

Although they opposed the casino exemption, anti-smoking groups generally supported the state law, even while vowing to work to include the gambling halls later on. Now the city, through a local ordinance, is poised to give them what they've been seeking.

"We didn't like the compromise, but we knew it would instantly save lives," said George DiFerdinando, a former acting state health commissioner who now leads NJ Breathes, a coalition of anti-smoking groups.

Source:http://www.casinonews.org/