TOM LAMBERT
Observer-Dispatch

Restaurant owners, residents and local leaders around the Mohawk Valley are split about the new tobacco law that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants in the state.

Advocates said the law was a positive one and would protect workers and patrons from second-hand smoke. Critics see the measure as an infringement on rights.

Matthew Ruffing of Utica said he thought the new legislation was intrusive.

"I think it's the most ridiculous thing in the world," Ruffing said. "They have more things to do in Albany than worry about people smoking in bars."

Steven Baker of Utica said since he didn't smoke he thought the law was a good one.

"I realize it's my choice to walk into a bar if it has smoking or not," Baker said. "But if you go to a restaurant and can't go an hour or two without smoking -- that's pathetic."

Ronald Townsend, owner of The Eagle Restaurant in Rome, said he thought he would lose business there once the law goes into effect July 23.

"It's terrible," Townsend said. "It should be my choice. Nobody gives me the choice whether I want to buy a liquor license or not. Nobody is there to help us. This just isn't a fair thing to do."

Symeon Tsoupelis, owner of Symeon's Greek Restaurant in Yorkville, said his establishment has been smoke-free since December 2001.

"I think it was a long time coming," Tsoupelis said. "I think it makes it easier all the way across the board and it's appreciated by servers and the staff. I do think it's going to affect some businesses more than others."

The measure would ban smoking at virtually every work place in the state. Some of the exceptions are cigar bars and outdoor dining areas. Turning Stone Casino is also exempt from the law.

Peter Cittadino, director of cancer control programs at the American Cancer Society Central New York Region, said the group was happy the state took this step.

"We really couldn't have asked for anything better," Cittadino said. "It's a very comprehensive law that protects patrons and employees from second-hand smoke."

Patrons and workplace owners that violate the law could each face a $1,000 fine.

Local state legislators also had mixed opinions on the law.

Assemblyman David Townsend, R-Lee, who voted against the measure, said he didn't understand why the state had to impose its will in the matter.

"It's too restrictive, there is too much of an infringement upon people's rights," Townsend said. "If we aren't careful the next thing they will go after is alcohol."

Sen. Raymond A. Meier, R-Western, said while he preferred that the law had more exceptions in it, he felt it was necessary.

"What it boiled down to for me was second-hand smoke is a Class A carcinogen," Meier said. "If you expose it to patrons or employees they face substantial health risks."

The new law could help some businesses such as Tom Cavallo's Restaurant in New Hartford, which has a cigar bar.

Owner Tom Cavallo, however, said the law slants the playing field against small businesses.

"I think it's absurd," Cavallo said. "It's going to help me no question, but it's still not fair. In New York they make laws and worry about them afterward."