Opinion
October 13, 1998
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Suffolk County (Gerard, J.).
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed, with costs.
Contrary to the appellants' contention, the petitioner was a proper party to commence this proceeding. Since the Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law art 6) (hereinafter FOIL) "has made full disclosure by public agencies a public right, the status or need of the person seeking access is generally of no consequence in construing FOIL and its exemptions" ( Matter of Capital Newspapers Div. v. Burns, 67 N.Y.2d 562, 566-567).
The Supreme Court did not improvidently exercise its discretion in awarding the petitioner counsel fees and costs ( see, Public Officers Law § 89 [c]).
The appellants' remaining contention is without merit.
O'Brien, J. P., Ritter, Thompson, Friedmann and Goldstein, JJ., concur.