Bar owners group to sue state over new anti-smoking law Bar and tavern owners will sue the state to overturn the no-smoking laws that take effect on July 24, said Scott Wexler, executive director of the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association. He's waiting for official notification from his board to initiate a lawsuit, Wexler said. Once that happens, he anticipates that it will take 45 to 60 days to put the suit together, he said. On March 26 the state Senate and Assembly approved legislation banning smoking in bars and restaurants. Gov. George Pataki signed the bill into law...