Daniel Rubin: A.C. deals a strong message

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2008 | by Daniel Rubin Inquirer Columnist

After Atlantic City's unanimous vote to ban smoking on the gambling floors of all 11 of its casinos, the chant arose from 80 clapping, hugging, crying casino workers,  thank you, thank you, thank you . What are the odds last week's hurrah was heard in Harrisburg? We may know tomorrow, when six legislators meet in the Pennsylvania Capitol to hash out differences in House and Senate bills to ban indoor smoking.

At risk is the health of nonsmokers and the right of Philadelphia to make its own laws. You'd think the Atlantic City vote would have extinguished one of the arguments for letting people light up in Pennsylvania casinos - that gamblers who smoked would take their business to Jersey. But listen to casino lobbyists' new tune. They're selling this moment as an...