City's Smoking Ban May Apply To Jails
01/05/03
Correction officials and city lawyers are looking into whether the new ban on smoking at virtually all bars, restaurants and offices also applies to city jails.
City buildings are covered by the smoke-free policy, and the Department of Correction says it's working on a plan that's consistent with the law.
Correction union officials say not allowing prisoners to smoke could lead to confrontations. Guards also say they should be allowed to smoke if they want to. Union officials prefer a designated smoke-free area for guards.
The Correction Department says research shows other areas that banned smoking in jails did not see an increase in violence.
The law, directed at making bars and restaurants smoke-free, goes into effect on March 30.
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