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NEW YORK STATE NO LONGER UP IN SMOKE
By ChristieLyn Diller
The question, would you like smoking or non-smoking? has just been answered in New York State.
State Law adopted a no smoking policy for the majority of public places on March 26, 2003. The law, to be in effect July 24, overrules the existing non-smoking policies practiced by New York City, Dutchess County, and other areas.
The Associated Press identified areas that are included within the ban. All New York State restaurants, bars, company vehicles, betting parlors and bowling alleys will have to dispose of their ashtrays.
Resident smokers will still be permitted to smoke their cigarettes in private homes or cars as well as in hotels, at tobacco stores, restaurants with outside uncovered eating areas, select cigar bars in New York City as well as a series of other exclusive places, said the Associated Press.
Public opinion on the smoking ban is torn.
Poughkeepsie resident James Page is one smoker who advocates the ban for health reasons, but feels that enforcing the law may provide a challenge.
"The way the law is written, establishments can not be fined, only individuals," Page said. "They have to be fined by an official and they can't arrest you."
Page also felt that the state law could benefit individuals.
"I think in the long run it will do more good than harm, it will get people to stop smoking. The next generation of kids, that grow up when it's normal not to smoke cigarettes anywhere, are not going to smoke," Page said.
Poughkeepsie resident Garrett Stanton finds few problems with the ban.
"Everyone knows smoking in general is bad for you," Stanton said, "Step outside and have a cigarette."
Stanton addressed the issue of personal rights regarding the freedom to smoke cigarettes. As of now, cigarette smoking is still legal.
"It's only a restriction on your rights when smoking is completely banned," Stanton said.
This view is not however, shared by everyone. Poughkeepsie resident Nikolas Bonopartis has substantial problems with the state law and all of the areas it encompasses.
"The ban is unlawful because it's an attempt to legislate not only business but what people do in their free time. That's an area where government has no business being," Bonopartis said.
Bonopartis also suggested that the ban could hurt businesses on the New York- Connecticut border, particularly the New York bars which attract business after the Connecticut bars close.
Health reasoning for the ban seems to attract a similar sentiment from residents. Despite Bonopartis' contests of the ban, he finds that the ban may positively influence first time smokers.
"People that are already smokers are just going to feel resentment but eventually less young kids are going to choose not to smoke because it's being made taboo in so many parts of society," Bonopartis said.
One of the main influences on adopting the state law is the health of non-smokers. Under the ban employees of businesses, which currently allow smoking, as well as non-smoking customers will be protected from second-hand cigarette smoke.