Atlantic City gambling floors will go smoke-free for seven days before allowing visitors to light up again because the city can't legally stop a smoking ban from taking effect, the city council president said Friday.

City Council President William Marsh told The Associated Press the unusual arrangement is the only way to legally proceed and the ban will start on Wednesday as previously scheduled.

"It is the law right now ... we won't be scrambling around to try to change the date," he said.

With the economy crumbling and revenues plunging, the City Council moved earlier this week to postpone for a year a law that was to take effect Oct. 15 banning smoking from the gambling floor.

The casinos and the head of their largest workers union had asked the council to put the ban on hold until the economy improves.

They fear deep losses and significant layoffs if smokers take their money elsewhere. Some casinos in nearby states do not restrict smoking.

But the council's preliminary decision still needs a final vote on Oct. 22, and the ban is set to take effect a week before that.

Thus, the ban will be in effect from Oct. 15 until Oct. 22, when the council is expected to finally approve the delay.

Marsh said council members spent all day Thursday considering options including a special meeting to try to change the date, but were unable to agree.

He predicted the 5-4 vote in favor of delaying the ban would be repeated. Continued...