On the day before New Year's Eve, 2002's biggest party night, The Mayor of New York City approved one of America's toughest anti-smoking laws, while the Governor toughened New York State's driving statute. The smoking ban, affecting nearly every public indoor space in the city, takes effect March 30, 2003. Smokers claim the law violates their rights, and may put some establishments out of business, but protecting nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is paramount, says Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In addition, Governor George Pataki has tightened the drunk driving laws, which should hopefully make the streets safer. Both of these moves are designed to improve current social conditions and enhance the health and safety of the public.

For details please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2002b/pr219-02.html