Jump to full article: Tobacco BBS, 2003-07-30
Intro: The purpose of this plan is to amend the restaurant provisions of the New York City Smoke-Free Air Act. The proposed amendment (see section 6) has been cleared by Covington & Burling and agreed to by the member companies.
The foundation of this plan is to educate the New York City Council about the hardships suffered by restaurants in complying with the law. This will be accomplished by using grassroots mobilization with supporting economic impact information and public relations. . .
The United Restaurant and Tavern Association of Now York State was a tremendous ally during the legislative battle. They have agreed to spearhead continuing efforts to provide reasonable accommodation. The Association intends to present their case -the severe restaurant smoking provisions are not necessary and have a detrimental economic impact -- to elected officials in a reasonable, well-argued manner.
Many restaurant owners expressed their frustration about what they perceived as a "one-sided" legislative hearing process. However, many came to see that their activity was affective, that without their involvement, the outcome could have been more severe.
Now, and for the next ten months, these restauranteurs (sic) must keep their views before their City Council members. These restaurants must build on the base developed during the legislative debate.
Part of this effort is making individual restauranteurs (sic) feel part of a united effort to protect their businesses. Each owner needs to understand that they are in the majority and that their combined influence is important. A newsletter will be developed by the United Restaurant and Tavern Association of New York State to provide a forum to involve individual restaurants owners as part of the large, active group.
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