By Elizabeth Christensen
Syracuse, NY – Onondaga County legislators voted 14 to 5 in favor of a law banning smoking in public places.
Small businesses will have 2 years to comply with the new law, which bans smoking in restaurants, taverns, and other public entertainment establishments.
The legislators who opposed the bill said they were afraid that some smokers would venture outside the county for dinner and entertainment, hurting local business.
But those in favor of the bill, including sponsor Robert Warner, say the ban will increase business for restaurants. Most people don't smoke and many express displeasure at second-hand smoke.