June 19, 1986, anti-smoking activists are trying to pass a bill in New York that would restrict smoking in restaurants and other public areas, the first major action ever taken by New York to prohibit smoking in some way. The New York Times reported that the proposal "is asking all New York restaurants, convention halls, and sports arenas to have designated non-smoking sections. In addition to that, smoking in retail stores, theaters, taxis, etc. would be banned" (Prial). The public is pretty skeptical about the bill. About one half of New York doesn't think the bill will go through.

Fred Sampson, president of the New York State Restaurant Association, opposed the bill. "We encourage out people to install nonsmoking areas...we think that's the way it should be handled. Former City Council president Paul R. Screvane also opposed the ban saying that he was opposed to "putting a law in...