N.Y. State Panel OKs No-Smoking Rule for Common-Use Areas
The state Public Health Council on Friday passed a regulation restricting smoking in restaurants, schools and offices.
Off-limits to smokers would be common-use areas of all workplaces--any office, restroom, hallway or meeting room. Employers could decide individually whether to create a special area for smokers.
Smoking also would be forbidden in taxis and limousines and establishments including food markets, banks and courthouses. Restaurants, hospitals and bowling alleys would be required to set aside nonsmoking areas.
The tobacco industry lobbied against the restrictions, saying that evidence about the dangers of second-hand smoke was inconclusive and that smoking restrictions would be costly for businesses.
The regulation will be filed with the secretary of state’s office next week and will take effect 90 days later unless overturned by the Legislature.
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