In April of 2008, the Atlantic City City Council voted to institute a smoking ban in the city's casinos, which was scheduled to begin on October 15, 2008. However, shortly before October 15, casino owners raised concern that the ban could decrease tourism at a time when the economy is already in crisis. The city council decided to postpone the ban for one year, but could not legally stop the ban from taking effect on its scheduled date.The Daily Item: Atlantic City to Have 7-day Smoking Ban Therefore, smoking was banned in the casinos of Atlantic City for one month, from October 15, 2008 through November 15, 2008.Los Angeles Times: ...smoking allowed again on Atlantic City casino floors (November 16, 2008)