New York State Passes Sweeping Smoking Ban to Protect Working New Yorkers from the Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke

The New York State Legislature passed Legislation on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 which strengthens the Clean Indoor Air Standards in all workplaces. The legislation was signed into law by Governor George Pataki the same day.

The NYS law officially takes effect on July 24, 2003.

To summarize, the law expands restrictions on smoking in bars, restaurants and places of employment; limits definitions of membership associations, cigar bars, outdoor dining areas, tobacco product promotions, and private functions where smoking is permitted; grants additional smoking regulatory powers to the department of health and mental hygiene of cities having a population of one million or more; prohibits all uses of tobacco products on school grounds.

Click here to view the entire text of the NYS Clean Indoor Air legislation.

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SmokeFree Dutchess is a community partnership of the American Cancer Society (ACS); the American Heart Association (AHA); the American Lung Association (ALA); the Dutchess County Department of Health; the Dutchess County Medical Society; Council on Addiction Prevention & Education of Dutchess County, Inc (CAPE); Vassar Brothers Medical Center; Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers; community based organizations, physicians, businesses, schools, and Dutchess County residents.