By Elizabeth Christensen
Syracuse, NY – Onondaga County finally has an indoor smoking policy.
An amended version of the Clean Indoor Air Act, also known as the Warner Winslow bill, was adopted by the full legislature yesterday.
The bill will prohibit smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys.
Smaller businesses, those with less than 50 seats, will be given 18 months to two years to comply with the new law.
Establishments that still want to cater to smokers can do so provided that they construct a seperately ventilated room.
They also must not force employees to go into the smoking section.
A public hearing on the new local law will be held on Monday December 23rd at the County Legislative Chambers in the Onondaga County Courthouse at 9:00 am.