Although that NYC smoking ban everyone’s been dreading takes effect this Sunday at midnight, Newsday is reporting that violators won’t actually be fined until May first - only warnings will be distributed this coming month. However, keep in mind that it’s the clubs and bars that will be given warnings (and eventually fines), not smokers - so while you may be perfectly willing to trade a handful of warnings for another few weeks of smoking freedom, owners and bartenders might not be so easygoing about it. The New York City Nightlife Association is well aware that it’s venues that will be punished for violations, and they’re already planning to challenge it: “Opponents of the smoking ban promise to sue the Health Department if inspectors fine only bar owners, as planned, and not individual smokers, too. ‘That’s partial enforcement of the law,’ said Robert Bookman, attorney for the New York Nightlife Association. ‘We’re waiting for inspectors to fine bar owners and not the smokers. When that happens, we’ll see them in court.’”