The Missouri Athletic Club has received the first citation for violating St. Louis city's ban on smoking.

Interim health director Pamela Rice Walker says the club mistakenly believes it's exempt from the measure as a private club, saying the exemption only applies if there are no employees.

She says the department first heard about violations at the club in January, and gave the MAC 30 days to comply.

"I'm hopeful that they'll see that's in the best interests of their employee and their patrons and the health of the community to comply," Walker said.

The MAC faces a $100 fine for the first violation. Walker would not speculate if it intends to launch a legal challenge to the ban.

Athletic Club officials did not return a phone call seeking comment.

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