Apr 08, 2004 — An analysis by the American Cancer Society finds that nearly nine months after the statewide smoking ban took effect, very few waivers have been granted to bars and restaurants that claim they are losing business from the anti-smoking law. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Mar 19, 2004 — Proponents of easing the state's strict anti-smoking laws say allowing air filtration machines in bars and restaurants could create a compromise between smokers and non-smokers who worry about health dangers. Anti-smoking groups say the devices don't work and create a false sense of safety. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Jan 06, 2004 — The state health department has fined half a dozen North Country businesses for violating the smoking ban that went into effect in July, according to recently released records. Some bar owners are meeting next week to plan a strategy to fight back. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 31, 2003 — Some bars in New York plan to light up tonight to send a year-end message that the state's new smoking ban is riddled with inconsistencies. Watertown's mayor-elect is leading the effort in the North Country. The protests come a day after a bar near Syracuse won a waiver allowing smoking. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 17, 2003 — An anti-smoking coalition is blasting the New York State Health Department's new rules to allow smoking in some bars and restaurants in New York. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Nov 26, 2003 — Controversy over New York's sweeping smoking ban continues, as anti- and pro-smoking groups argue over how local health departments should grant waivers to the four-month old law.  Go to full article

Oct 22, 2003 — Anti-smoking groups are hailing a judge's decision to throw out a lawsuit from some New York bar owners that asked for a temporary halt to New York's smoking ban. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Oct 17, 2003 — The State's Tobacco Advisory Board is asking the Health Department to warn consumers about new cigarettes recently introduced on the market that claim to be safer than regular cigarettes. The Board urges action now, because many board members believe that Philip Morris is about to introduce a new Marlboro cigarette that the company will claim is safer to smoke. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Oct 17, 2003 — Since the state's new smoking ban took effect this summer, a number of formal complaints of bars and restaurants violating the law have been filed in the North Country. Chris Knight found a few complaints were made in the Adirondack region, but no violations have been issued.  Go to full article

Oct 13, 2003 — The controversy over the recently enacted smoking ban continues at the Capitol. Bar owners tried this week to get the State Assembly to listen to their complaints about lost business, but the lower house did not revisit the law in their brief session. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article