Mineola, NY - Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) and Democrats on the Nassau County Legislature said "yes" today to a law that bans smoking in all restaurants, bars and most indoor workplaces in the County, making it the strongest anti-smoking restrictions in the state. The law, modeled after other clean-indoor air laws in the country, such as California's, will protect workers from second-hand smoke. The legislation passed along party lines, 10 to 8. Other counties considering such legislation include Suffolk and Westchester counties and New York City.

"Restaurant and bar employees have the right to work in a smoke-free environment," said Abrahams. "While the County passed smoking restrictions back in 1998, we believe it was time to take a stronger stance on this health issue."

Democrats have been working closely with members of the Suffolk County Legislature, the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the New York City Council to draw upon ideas from these governing bodies now in the process of drafting smoke-free legislation. Prior to passing the new restrictions, Nassau had designated smoking areas, and where possible, separate ventilation. Bars and bar areas were exempt.

"Back in August, the Majority took the lead on this issue and held the first of several Anti-Smoking Summits with our neighbors-Suffolk and Westchester counties and New York City, who are also working towards the same goal of a smoke-free workplace," said Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs. "The purpose of these summits was to form a regional approach to this legislation and to work collectively on public health concerns. I think we have succeeded. All these counties and New York stand ready to pass similar legislation in the near future, effecting more than two-thirds the population of New York State."

According to recent polls, a majority of restaurant and bar patrons say they want a smoke-free environment. "We believe this legislation will not only address that, but will also protect the employees who work there," Abrahams added.

While some critics of the law say these new restrictions will hurt business, statistics prove that this is simply untrue. In California, where smoking is banned in all bars and restaurants, revenue has grown in every business category that serves food and drink. According to a recent study conducted by the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island, nonsmokers as well as smokers support increasing local smoking restrictions. This proposed legislation is not an economic issue, but rather a health issue.

The County's interest in strengthening the current smoking ordinance is strongly supported by the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island.

"Nassau County officials should be heralded for passing legislation that will go great distances to help avoid the deaths of about 180 Nassau County residents each year attributed to second hand smoke", said William Stoner, Regional Advocacy Director for the American Cancer Society. "Banning smoking in all workplaces is not only great health sense but all documentation available shows that this is also great economic sense," added Stoner.

"The average bartender breathes in enough second hand smoke in a day to equal a half a pack of cigarettes," said Abrahams, "and restaurant and bar owners have a 50 percent higher risk of developing lung cancer due to exposure to second-hand smoke-a Class 'A' carcinogen. I believe this bold legislation will address this health issue, as well as improve the quality of life for Long Island residents."

The legislation will go into effect on March 1, 2003, with bingo halls going into effect on January 1, 2004. The new law will be enforced by the Nassau County Health Department.

"It is very rare in life that as a legislator you can cast a vote that saves lives," said Abrahams. "This is one of those rare times."