As if pushing to increase commuter taxes and property taxes weren't enough, now Mayor Bloomberg is continuing his assault on New York City businesses by pushing through his restrictive city wide smoking ban. The new law should take effect some time in late March or early April. Reluctantly, the law will exempt a few (7) cigar bars and private fraternal organizations. Also, any locations without employees are exempt. (Seriously)

The NY Post notes that exemptions will also be granted to "bars willing to spend large sums to create separate high-tech smoking rooms where employees would be barred." Of course councilmen already are admitting that most bars won't be able to qualify for exemption.

The Post reports that Bloomberg hailed the measure "as a life saver for 1,000 people a year who die from second-hand smoke." This of course, refers to the 1993 EPA declaration (with no basis of scientific fact or evidence) that 3000 people a year die from second hand smoke. Apparently 1/3 of them live in New York City.

Council Speaker Gilford Miller said he was happy with the compromise bill, and offered up a dose of liberal 'good intentions'. "No one should have to choose between their health and their job," Miller said. "The purpose here is not to punish smokers, but to protect employees."

So, they are only doing it 'for the employees'. The poor employees that are forced to put up with deadly toxins just to earn a living. After all, the right to work is constitutionally guaranteed, where as property rights are not. Right? I hope the employees remember these good intentions when their restaurant closes down, or when their tip jar is only half as full as it used to be.

As for chosing between your health and your job, well, nobody should have to make that choice. After all, firemen, policemen, coal miners, race car drivers, and men and women of the armed forces don't have to work with any element of danger.

It should be noted that earlier this year, Bloomberg helped to balance the city budget with increased cigarette taxes. (Where are they going to smoke?)

Also, the WHO conducted a seven year study that concludes there are no long term effects of second hand smoke.