Tobacco.org

• Workers, Owners, City Officials, and Health Groups Toast One-Year Anniversary of the Smoke-Free Air Act 

Bartenders, managers, owners and health organizations joined City officials today at the Blind Tiger Ale House to toast the one-year anniversary of the 2002 Smoke-Free Air Act (SFAA), the law that established a smoke-free workplace for nearly all New Yorkers. The NYC Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Finance, and Small Businesses Services and the City's Economic Development Corporation also jointly released a report entitled "The State of Smoke-Free New York City," a one-year review of the economic and health impact of the law http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/smoke/sfaa-2004report.pdf. . . . .

Economic indicators show that the SFAA, which was implemented on March 30, 2003, did not negatively impact restaurants and bars in New York City. According to the NYC Department of Finance, from April 1, 2003-January 31, 2004 business tax receipts from bars and restaurants were up 8.7% from the same period in 2002-2003, showing that New Yorkers have spent more money in New York City's bars and restaurants since the SFAA took effect.

Employment in bars and restaurants increased since the Smoke-Free Air Act took effect.

Jump to full article »