IN BRIEF : New York ban hits smokers

New York - Mayor Rudy Giuliani signed into law one of the toughest anti-smoking bills in the United States, despite threats it would hurt city business. The law bans smoking in workplaces, most public places, including open-air sports stadiums, a nd restaurants with more than 30 seats. Philip Morris, the giant tobacco company, has hinted it might leave its New York headquarters.

Other cities have tough smoking restrictions in restaurants and offices, but opponents say the provisions on smoking outdoors make the law in New York stricter. Reuter