New York law may change after smoking ban backlash

A backlash against the controversial smoking ban in New York bars and restaurants has led to proposals for changes in the law.

The ban on smoking in New York city workplaces, introduced at the end of March, has proved unpopular with bar owners and customers who feel it goes too far.

With the workplace ban due to be extended across New York state from July 24, city and state politicians hope they can defuse a voter backlash by toning down the impact of the law on bars and restaurants.

New York state lawmakers are considering a plan that would allow bars and restaurants to build separate smoking rooms. In New York city, there is also a proposal to give smaller businesses, operated by their owners, the choice to allow smoking.

New York senator Martin Golden, who initially voted for the ban, is among the officials supporting changes. Senator Golden, who owns a restaurant which has lost business due to the ban, said: "I did not realise the impact that it would have."

He said the new proposals would allow those who want to smoke the same choice as non-smokers.

The latest New York developments are being monitored this side of the Atlantic. The Irish licensed trade, which faces a similar workplace ban from January, argues that a total ban in pubs and bars would be unworkable, and has called for a more realistic solution.

Nick Bish, head of the industry's Charter Group, said: "We're watching what is happening in New York with interest. It seems to us to provide good evidence that self-regulation should work, and that the downside of regulation is that it reveals lots of unexpected and unwanted consequences."

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Smoking ban put on the back-burner (29 May 2003)

Comments from the trade on the success of the Smoking Charter (29 May 2003)