Mineola, NY--The American Cancer Society graded Nassau County's smoke free workplace legislation with an A+, the highest rating of any region in New York State. The report card rated the state, 12 counties and New York City based on smoking restrictions in private and public workplaces, restaurant dining areas and bars and other public and recreational facilities. The announcement comes on the heels of yesterday's news that New York City officials have reached an agreement on a smoke free workplace for the city.

The high mark from the American Cancer Society has pleased Nassau County Legislators, who in October, passed the strongest anti-smoking restrictions in the state.

"I am very proud of this A+ rating and of our majority legislators who have shown a lot of vision in introducing and passing this legislation," said Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead). "We stand strong behind our legislation, and look forward to our neighboring counties joining with us in providing smoke free workplaces."

Other counties considering such legislation include Suffolk and Westchester counties. If passed by New York City, Suffolk and Westchester, the new law will effect 2/3's the population in New York State.

Nassau lawmakers were the FIRST in the region to brave the tobacco lobbyists and vocal opponents of the smoke-free workplace law and to do the right thing-protect the health of all workers from second-hand smoke.

Nassau County's anti-smoking legislation bans smoking in restaurants and bars and is modeled after other clean-indoor air laws in the country.

"It's not often that a lawmaker can truly affect the health and safety of constituents," said Abrahams, "but this is one of those special times."

Boston, Massachusetts also joins Nassau County as a tobacco-free workplace. The city's health commissioners voted unanimously yesterday to ban smoking in bars, nightclub and restaurants, making the city the largest on the east coast to do so.