Tobacco Documents Online

November 22, 1994 Councilman Thomas K. Duane 275 7th Ave, 12th Fl. New York, N.Y. 10001 Dear Councilman Duane: I operate three restaurant bars here in N.Y.C. and I'm writing to comment on the proposed "Smoke-Free" Air Act pendingg before the City Council. The proposed legislature, which would only permit smoking in restaurant bars if the bar area is located in a separate room or has its own ventilation and floor-to- ceiling partition, to prevent smoke from entering the seating area of the restaurant. Also, the bar must be located at least 12 feet from the indoor seating. I cannot afford to make these changes financially, nor can I afford to lose customers or revenues. People come to my establishment for the ambiance and food. as for the alcohol. They relax at the bar or at the table and in many cases they smoke. However, if the new law is enacted those who smoke can no longer do so. The relaxed mood will be ruined if we are required to ban smoking,. I am convinced that I wi1L lose 30 percent of the revenue, thus, lay off 30 percent of my staff accordingly. The proposed "Smoke-Free" Air Act will effect my business to a great degree. The only choice I have been given is to ban smoking in my establishment.. Approximately 30 percent of my customers smoke. If this ordinance should pass I risk losing 30 percent of my business.

Councilman Thomas K. Duane November 22, 1994 Page Two Please, I urge you to reject the "Smoke-Free" Air Act. Restaurants should be entitled to continue designating separate smoking and honsmoking areas. Thank you for consideration of this letter. Sincerely, brahim I. Merchant President