is it illegal to smoke in public in NYC?
604091
No, I do it all the time. It's illegal in restaurants and bars. Some of them.
862362
I feel that city officials have the right to restrict the no smoking policy on city owned property, but have no right to restrict smoking in a privately  owned business. That should be up to the owner.\nI am a non-smoker and I'll decide where I want to go. Smoking or non-smoking.
1074453
I'm Canadian and it's legal in my Province but it is NOT sold in any stores let alone in cigarette packs so pay no attention to the person above me. Also, when you try to take it back across the border to get back to the USA be prepared to be arrested.
870228
Private clubs ARE exempt from this law; unfortunately, they have to operate as non-profits which you will NOT be able to do with your bar. There are very few loopholes if you read the full text (available at http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/oh/state/issue/5/). \n\nYour best bet is going to be to open up (or add on, if you have to) an outdoor patio that meets the requirements of this stupid law, and get a nice outdoor heater or two for winter. Maybe put up a roof with a tv or speakers (depending on your gimmick - tv if you broadcast sports games, speakers if you've got live music, you can pump it outside.) It will cost a little money initially but I bet you'll bring in more business if you have a somewhat comfortable and entertaining place for the smokers year-round.\n\nTo the last person: this new law goes beyond smoking. It's telling business owners how to run their personal businesses. It is NOT illegal to smoke. If most people don't want to be in a smoky bar, let them vote with their feet and not go there. I live in Ohio and there are bars near me that are non-smoking by the owner's choice. Some restaurants are completely non-smoking - owner's choice. If you don't like seeing people drinking, respond by not hanging out in bars - NOT by banning alcohol.\n\n(Voted against issue 5, needless to say!!)
609707
I don't have a problem with smoking being banned in restaurants and cafes, but banning it from bars would be too extreme.  Considering that the majority of people I've seen in bars often smoke, might as well keep it legal there.
818161
None. don't want to litter. I thought the best protest would be purchasing cigarettes from a state which doesn't have a smoking ban. Have to travel about an hour but gee at least that other state without smoking bans will be getting my cigarette taxes. Imagine if every smoker did that? Might have to purchase a few cartons at a time but let the state feel the lack of smoking dollars.
995825
If it is illegal, you cannot use the law to enforce evictions, sue for back rent, or anything like that.  NYC is very expensive, it might be worth it to get it legalized.  Why is it illegal?  Does it not meet code, or did you just not get the proper permits for it to be legal?  Depending on the circumstances, it may cost you quite a bit to get it legalized to pass inspection.  But I believe that you can be reported and have to pay a penalty or something if you get caught for renting without the proper permits.
494200
I think so. It may be against the law in certain areas, best to check it out. But, in general I think it's legal to kiss in public in America
417271
Hi, I live in Georgia and we are already "smoke free". We cant smoke in any public building. This means, as you said, restaurants, bars, etc. We aren't allowed to take a lit cigarette in grocery stores, laundry mats or any convient store. Also our work force here is the carpet industry, and most carpet mills run 24 hours, 7 days a week. Alot run swing shifts, which consist of working 12 hour shifts. Now even our mills are saying "no smoking" on their property, not even in your own vehicle. If observed doing this you will be terminated. And I'm not even really sure when the voting of these laws were. So I too, would like speak against this issue. I understand non-smokers have rights, but doesn't smokers have any rights at all?
1096946
way too far! businesses are going to suffer from these foolish laws. I say to people that don't smoke, just stay away from us and don't breath it. We don't blow the crap on them or anyhting.\nOh yeh, what about drinking in public, is that alright to have your child exposed to useless drunks, our governement is a bunch of a**wipes!
1107818
i hear that they dont let tourist smoke in amsterdam any more..you have to be a local resident...\n\nbut i would love to go if they do let you smoke still...
845829
I am a smoker,but I don't mind the bans.I smoke outside at home because of my kids,and I did it most of the time even before I had kids.I don't like to smell smoke when I'm not smoking.However,I think banning smoking in bars is just crazy.I mean,drinking and smoking just go together,and if you don't want to be around the smoke,you can always stay home or go to a restaurant.Same with casinos.
357264
YES!  Smokers are discriminated against daily.\n\nBen Franklin once said : "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."\n\nSo, all you people who belive it is right to restrict the rights of others are out in left field.  If you do not like smoke, you should exercise YOUR freedom and choose an establishment that does not allow smoking.....the gov't shouldn't enact laws that make a business owner be non-smoking.  Where is the freedom in that?\n\nIn the words of HL Mencken:\n"I believe that liberty is the only genuinely valuable thing that men have invented, at least in the field of government, in a thousand years. I believe that it is better to be free than to be not free, even when the former is dangerous and the latter safe. I believe that the finest qualities of man can flourish only in free air – that progress made under the shadow of the policeman's club is false progress, and of no permanent value. I believe that any man who takes the liberty of another into his keeping is bound to become a tyrant, and that any man who yields up his liberty, in however slight the measure, is bound to become a slave."\n\nAlso, I am sure that most of you are familiar with the last part of this quote....the front of it is equally important.  Patrick Henry: "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"\n\nAnd I think most importantly, Clarence Darrow stated it quite well..."You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free."  In other words....watch out.  If you let the gov't restrict my freedom, it will be knocking on your front door tomorrow - taking away your ability to do something that is dear to you!
437652
Well the truth is that you can smoke all you want and yes your are allowed to grow your maryjane at home.  Well as long as its for personal consumption.  You can smoke publicly and it is perfectly fine.  Well at least I have smoked next to El Corte Ingles en la avendiad de Francia en Valencia.  No one said nothing so for my understanding it is fine.
198404
No, maybe just people don't want to breathe in 2nd hand smoke. Smokers can go harm their own lungs no problem.
19945
Any kind of smoke is bad for you. If you smoke once in ahwile its not that bad. If you smoke as much as my roomate does then you may get cancer or have trouble breathing.
878510
If you are outside can other people smell the smoke?  The answer is yes.  It doesn't matter what the conditions are in that room second hand smoke hurts not only the smoker but everyone around them.  It is my opinion that most (not all) smokers are inconsiderate of the way their habit affects other people.