Trump looks to stub out casino smoking ban
11th April, 2008
Despite being an advocate of 'quit smoking' initiatives, Donald Trump has threatened legal action over a proposed Atlantic City casino smoking ban.
The American business tycoon said he saw no hyprocrisy in his opposing personal-professional take on the matter, insisting that his stance on casino smoking is rooted firmly in business logic.
"It's a sad day for Atlantic City," the Press of Atlantic City quoted him as saying. "It puts Atlantic City at a huge competitive disadvantage with casinos in other states."
The casino gambling mecca currently has a limited smoking ban in place, in which smokers are only allowed to light up within a designated 25 per cent area of casino floor in any given resort.
But City Council officials have unanimously backed a full ban which completely outlaws smoking by slots and gaming tables - but does allow for the designation of off-site smoking lounges.
While proponents have said the move will safeguard the health of employees, Mr Trump insists it will hasten the economic downturn and could lead to eventual closures of some of Atlantic City's 11 casinos.
Casino revenues in the city dropped 5.7 per cent last - something many analysts have blamed on the current smoking restrictions.
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