Sullivan Ordinance facts for kids

The Sullivan Ordinance was a city law passed in New York City on January 21, 1908. This rule made it illegal for public places, like restaurants or theaters, to let women smoke inside. The law did not stop women from smoking in general, or from smoking in public outdoor areas. It only applied to indoor public places.

What Was the Sullivan Ordinance?

The Sullivan Ordinance was a special rule created by the city's leaders. They decided that women should not be allowed to smoke in places open to the public. This was a new idea at the time.

A Short-Lived Rule

Right after the law started, on January 22, a woman named Katie Mulcahey was given a ticket. She was the only person ever charged under this new rule. She was fined $5 for smoking in public. When she refused to pay, she was arrested. However, the law itself did not mention fines. It also did not ban women from smoking in outdoor public areas. Katie Mulcahey was set free the very next day.

The Mayor's Decision

Just two weeks after the Sullivan Ordinance was passed, the mayor at the time, George B. McClellan Jr., stopped the law. He used his power to veto it, which means he officially said "no" to the new rule. Because of the mayor's action, the Sullivan Ordinance did not last long at all. It was a very short-lived law in New York City's history.