Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
In 1908 NYC Women Were Prohibited From Smoking In Public
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 21, 2014
Modified Jan 21, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Gothamist
View all 3
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 21, 2014
Modified Jan 21, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
On January 21st, 1908 (that's 106 years ago today), the Sullivan Ordinance was passed in New York City, which made it illegal for women to smoke in public... because "Bowery moralist and political chieftan" Little Tim Sullivan thought it was gross, or something. At the time, he stated "he can get away with his ordinance even if it does infringe slightly upon woman's inherent and constitutional rights." Naturally, not a lot of women took this edict seriously, and two weeks later Mayor George McClellan vetoed it. Here's a little look back at its short run...
On the day of its passing, the NY Times wondered in their headline: "Will Ladies Rebel?", and reported:
"After today it will be against the law for a hotel or restaurant proprietor, or any one else managing or owning a public place to allow women to smoke in public. After a brief hearing yesterday the Committee on Laws of the Board of Aldermen unanimously approved the Sullivan anti-smoke ordinance which will be reported today and will pass the Board of Aldermen without the slightest doubt."
So this put the business owners at fault should a woman be spotted smoking in their establishment, but what about the lady at the end of the cigarette? Reportedly one woman, Katie Mulcahey, was the only person to ever be cited for breaking the ordinance—and though it did not specify fines, or any actions against the woman smoking, she was fined $5 and then arrested for refusing to pay.
Today, the MCNY (who claim this ordinance was not rescinded until 1927), has shared a few photos of women smoking in public, all from the Art Students League Ball in 1953 (which you can see more photos of here). Click through and celebrate the fact that no one can smoke while you're eating dinner out anymore... and also that we all still have the right to drink in excess at bars.
Tagged
smoking
sullivan ordinance
women
original
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Immanuel Wilkins is upholding NYC's jazz history. He's also dreaming up its future.
The saxophonist performs this week at the Village Vanguard.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Sep 29, 2026
Ever wish you could get paid to walk through a stranger’s house? ‘The Scout’ is for you.
A new film focuses on the strange career of a location scout in New York City.
By
Sonia Rao
Arts & Entertainment
Ever wish you could get paid to walk through a stranger’s house? ‘The Scout’ is for you.
A new film focuses on the strange career of a location scout in New York City.
By
Sonia Rao
There are 100s of places to visit during Open House New York. Here's 5 of our favorites.
By
Hannah Frishberg
A massive MTA archive ended up in a Virginia warehouse. A Brooklyn man brought it home.
By
Hannah Frishberg
How a Harry Styles pop-up in the East Village led to a nearby bookstore owner's arrest
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .