United States: 13,000 bars and restaurants affected by new legislation
After months of speculation, the city of New York has finally brought into effect a ban on smoking in public places, with some 13,000 bars and restaurants across the city being affected by the new ruling.
As reported by News From Abroad in recent months, the ban has been introduced by the city mayor Michael Bloomberg, who says it is aimed at protecting workers from second-hand smoke (and, some say, protecting businesses from massive lawsuits from workers).
The ban, which was introduced at midnight, covers all workplaces in the city – and therefore, public places including bars, restaurants, and even jails. Owners of bars and restaurants will face fines of £300 each time anyone is caught smoking, and could have their licences taken away for repeat offences.
While campaign groups in the city are already promising a “revolution” over the new laws, visitors to the city are advised to take careful note of the legislation.
