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Lawmakers divided over AC smoking ban

TRENTON, New Jersey – As reported by the Press of Atlantic City: "Two lawmakers at the forefront of efforts to extend the state smoking ban to casino gaming floors were divided Tuesday about whether Atlantic City Council should accept a compromise.

"The council is expected to vote tonight on a 'compromise' ordinance that would ban smoking on 75 percent of gaming floors, with the remainder set aside as enclosed smoking rooms equipped with ventilation systems. The council had given preliminary approval to an ordinance that would have called for a complete ban.

"State Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, said the compromise ordinance would only 'take away momentum' from efforts to extend the ban to casino gaming floors. Assemblyman Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, said he had not seen the ordinance but was 'inclined to give it an opportunity to work.'

"…Assemblyman Frank Blee, R-Atlantic, said the Legislature should move to ban smoking on gaming floors 'immediately.'

"…The stance put Blee at odds with his district mate, state Sen. Bill Gormley, R-Atlantic, who worked to stave off a complete smoking ban…"

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