The Cripple Creek police chief has cited three casinos that allowed patrons to smoke, allegedly in violation of the state's indoor smoking ban.

Mayor Dan Baader says he expects all three will challenge the citations, issued Wednesday, on grounds that they qualify as cigar bars that are exempt from the smoking ban.

City officials said Monday that they wouldn't actively enforce the smoking ban because they don't have enough time or manpower.

Baader says Police Chief Gary Hamilton was compelled to act Wednesday, though, after other casinos that don't allow indoor smoking filed a complaint with him.

There are 14 casinos in Cripple Creek.