Are you a smoker who plans on smoking in New York State? Due to the smoking ban which went into effect on Sunday, March 30, 2003, you will find the following will be helpful while exploring New York on your trip.

Purchasing Tobacco Products
The minimum age to make the purchase of cigarettes is eighteen (18) years old but there are parts of New York State (Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Onondaga County) that requires the purchaser to be at least nineteen (19) years old. Please be aware that establishment may have a twenty-one (21) and older admission policy which you will be required to meet before you can enter inside to purchase your tobacco products. Such an establishment would be a nightclub or a sports lounge so try and use locations which welcomes all ages.

Identification for Tobacco Products
Identification (or ID) should have a photograph. Valid ID’s are government issued such as a drivers license or a passport.

Locations for Smoking
Here is a list of hookah bars and Smoker-Friendly Bars in New York where you can light up along with subway information. Please be sure that you contact the establishment listed to see if you meet their minimum age requirements before going and carry the required identification and admision fees needed.

Importing Tobacco Products for Use and Sale
Cigarettes manufactured in the U.S. and labeled and shipped for export cannot be brought back into the U.S. so check the packages of the cigarettes you plan to bring to New York unless you are the original manufacturer or is an export warehouse proprietor authorized by the original manufacturer. Failure to adhere to the rules will subject the products to seizure by U.S. officials.

Limits and Duties on Tobacco Products
Travelers are permitted to import previously exported tobacco products only in quantities (200 cigarettes  (or twenty 10 packs) and 100 cigars) not exceeding the amounts specified in exemptions for which the they qualify as long as they are not Cuban-made goods, including Cuban cigars.

Public Smoking at Airports
John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty & La Guardia Airport prohibits smoking on the AirTrain and in all buildings. You will have to exit the airport to smoke then remove your lighter/matches from yourself before going back through Security. Please do not try to depart the airport unless you have documents that authorizes you to do so.

Public Smoking at Attractions
Liberty Island allows smoking in designated areas. When at the Island, please follow the signs or ask a park employee for directions.

The Majestic Theatre allows smoking outside the theater (by patrons) during intermission.

The Marriott Hotel chain does not permit smoking within hotel buildings themselves but guests who smoke are permitted to do so outside in designated areas.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) prohibits smoking or carrying of an open flame or lighted match, cigar, cigarette, pipe or torch at all times on their trains under Section 1050.7-2.

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