Jump to full article: NY1 (Time Warner Cable), 2010-01-30
Author: Grace Rauh
Intro: At Montague Street Bagels in Brooklyn Heights, customers don't have to look far for a reminder of the dangers of smoking. There's one sign showing a damaged brain next to the cash register and another sign with blackened lungs on the back wall.
Starting March 1, any city shops that sell cigarettes and other tobacco products that do not display these arresting anti-smoking signs risk fines of up to $2,000.
Yet Joseph Aceto, the owner of Montague Street Bagels, put up a sign next to their picture of damaged lungs that reads, "We are very sorry, but by the order of [New York City Department of Health], we are required to post this sign, or face a $2,000 fine!"
The store has received complaints about the DOH's signs, and Aceto said he's even lost a customer over the stomach-turning pictures. . . .
Other customers liked the warnings and argued that they aren't bothered by them, even when they buying a bagel.
"I think that sign is great, because it shows exactly what happens to your lungs if you do something as stupid as smoking," said customer Peter Woll.
"Hopefully it will help some people live longer," said customer Howard Abrams. . . .
Whether they love or hate the ads, New Yorkers can expect to see even more of them in the coming weeks, as business owners do their best to avoid the city's fines.
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