Atlantic City casinos succeeded in winning an exemption from New Jersey's recently approved statewide smoking ban, but gambling officials probably didn't count on facing a similar ban proposed by local officials.

The Associated Press reported Nov. 16 that Atlantic City's City Council is considering a measure that would ban smoking in all public spaces in the city, including casino gaming floors. Casino employees bitterly complained that the state law sacrificed their health in the interest of gambling profits.

The local measure was introduced unanimously by the council. "People were giving their testimony about their lives and how their lives were impacted. Legislation at the state level takes a long time," said City Councilman Bruce Ward after attending a recent antismoking rally. "Meanwhile, we have a health hazard that continues."

Some state lawmakers promised to revisit the issue of smoking in casinos, but said that they lacked the votes earlier this year to pass a comprehensive ban without the casino exemption. Bills to close the loophole have been introduced in the New Jersey House and Senate.

The City Council will hold a pair of hearings on the bill, and a vote could come before the end of the year. The city's mayor would then have to sign the measure into law.