As of today, no cell phones are allowed in theatres, musuems, concert halls, or movie theatres or libraries!
$50-fine.

So I guess if you were trying to quit smoking by chatting on your cell, you will have to find something to do instead of that now!
Mmmm, what could take the place of chatting on the mobile when you can't have a ciggie?

Scarlett, you didn't tell it correctly. Cellphones in themselves aren't banned, talking on them or letting them ring in those places is banned.

What does talking on a cell phone have to do with quitting smoking? This is over my head.

Thank goodness the ban is official. They are so obnoxious.

Reminds me of a funny experience from last year. I was seeing a performance by singer/songwriter Martin Sexton - his first performance at Town Hall in NYC (you have GOT to see this guy live - he's a great songwriter and performer but more significant - has what may be the absolute best voice in the business).

His songs are often poignant and intensely emotional. Just before he was about to start another song.... the clamor had died down and all were on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what chord was struck (many die-hard fans all waiting to hear their personal fave played)... and a cell phone started ringing. Town Hall is so acostically well balanced that the sound could easily have been coming from the stage. Without missing a beat, Martin smiled, reached in his pocket as though it were his phone and said "Hang on a minute - it's my agent calling!". A good laugh had by all and needless to say, that phone didn't ring again during the performance.

Thank you Howard, exactly right! You can carry them but you can't use them

GoTravel, just being silly.

Funny, Owen

Great news! Maybe that will start a trend elsewhere.

Last summer I was hit by a person who lost control of his car as he was making a corner and talking on his cell phone. He'd lost track of where he was, turned too late and too sharply, and skidded into me as I was stopped at a light. I turned my car around, pulled up behind him after he stopped (still talking) got out of my car and went up to talk with him and...get this...he told me to get back in my car and that he'd call the police and talk with me as soon as he finished his call--and he kept right on talking. Unbelievably, I was so shocked both by the accident and what he said...I actually did it! Still kick myself for not letting loose--or at least suddenly developing a very sore neck and shoulder! gt;

I really wish they'd be banned in cars. They are an annoyance in the above places, but on the road, they truly represent a hazard, and IMHO, hands free makes absolutely no difference. It's where your mind is...or isn't, not your hands!

This is a complete waste of government time and a piece of legislation that was done for the PR value for the reelection of the city council.

Honestly, with all the issues facing NYC, such as the potential for NYPD layoff and the constant threat of another terrorist attack, the idea that a police officer needs to waste time responding to a call about a cell phone (one ironic possibility, the person WILL call on a cell phone to report abuse of a cell phone) is absurd.

Why I do find cell phone use at concerts, etc, to be annoying, the idea that cops now have to waste time with this is more annoying.

At our local Sony movie theatre, just prior to the coming attractions, they show a short scene where moviegoers whose cell phones go off during the show are slammed into the screen, while the audience politely claps. The message then says something like "cell phone ejector seats--coming soon to a theatre near you." It gets great laughs each time.

Horray for NY, more cities/states should do the same. Which, if any States ban them while driving? OliveOyl, we see things like your accident happening every day. I just saw an ad offering a free driver's license with each phone purchase, the only reqirement being that they must be used simultaneously!

JUST KIDING, but some people drive as if they bought their licenses.

In NY state, you are not allowed to drive while talking on a hand held phone. Headsets are ok.

I get it now Scarlett, I can be a little dense at times! LOL!