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New York mayor bans smoking in parks, beaches
Law aims to clean up the air and stop litter in parks and beaches.
Tue, Feb 22 2011 at 4:10 PM
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Photo: Ed Yourdon/Flickr
NEW YORK — New York: the city that never smokes. Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a law on Feb. 22 banning smoking in parks, beaches and busy gathering places like Times Square, the health department said.
The law, approved by the City Council at the start of February, will be backed up with $50 fines, the department said.
It will take effect in 90 days, ending smoking in parks, pedestrian zones and 14 miles (23 kilometers) of beaches. Smoking is already forbidden in office buildings, bars and restaurants.
Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said the rules would make those public spots "healthier places than ever. I encourage those still smoking to take this opportunity to quit smoking today."
Officials estimate there are 950,000 adult smokers and another 18,000 teenagers lighting up in New York City, which has a population of 8.4 million.
"Smoking in parks and beaches not only harms people trying to enjoy these recreational facilities, it also causes a litter problem that harms the beauty of our parks," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
"Cigarette litter is difficult and expensive to clean up and is a hazard to children, pets, and the environment. Cigarette-related litter accounts for 75 percent of all litter on beaches and 33 percent of all litter in parks."
Copyright 2011 AFP Global Edition
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I agree with you Alyssa
That’s great, we are suffering form the smokers in my country State of Kuwait and I hope and pray to God to ban the smoking in close building
Please Mayor Michael come to Kuwait and ban the smoking
I know there will be a flood of comments saying how this violates our individual rights and all, but I'll say now - I DON'T CARE. I'm so happy to see this happening and am looking forward to all the benefits. The reduction of second-hand smoke intake, fresher air, nicer smells, less litter, and less addiction! Or at the least, more frustration to have that one cigarette. I know that they can be very comforting to some people under certain circumstances but let it be done in your own privacy.