Smoking ban has limited exceptions
04/29/03
When the statewide smoking ban goes into effect in July, smoking in virtually all workplaces will be a thing of the past.
Smoking on school grounds and in public buildings has long been prohibited.
The new ban, signed by Gov. Pataki at the end of March, now extends that policy into bars, restaurants, indoor private parties at which workers receive compensation of any kind and elsewhere.
There are several exceptions:
* Cigar bars may continue to offer separate enclosed smoking rooms.
* Smoking will be allowed in clubs with no employees.
* Nursing homes may provide separate smoking areas for their residents.
* The law also provides a small exception for restaurants. Outdoor dining areas that are not covered by a roof may contain a smoking section. The exception does not apply to bars, however, roof or no roof.
Enforcement, in most cases, will be left up to the Department of Health.
Cigarettes
