I am BEYOND elated to inform you all that beginning today (May 23, 2011), smoking is not allowed in outdoor public spaces around New York City, including beaches, parks and plazas. I know this is awful news to you smokers out there (including one of IFWT’s own…hmmm) but this is GREAT news to us non-smokers and ultimately helping the smokers anyway. Hopefully this will be even more of an incentive to put down the cigarettes and get into something way more healthy! I lost my grandmother to lung cancer in 2009, so this is a very important topic to me that hits close to home. For more details on the ban including what the fines will be for being caught smoking, hit the jump.
Health officials have pointed toward second-hand smoke as the reason for the new policy. Â
The city is leaving most of the enforcement responsibility up to us. “We expect the new law will be enforced by New Yorkers themselves, who will ask people to follow the law and stop smoking,” read a joint press release from the Parks, Health and Transportation Departments. So look forward to some shouting matches on the Great Lawn.
But there’s also a $50 fine, if the complainer can get someone in charge to pay attention. New Yorkers are encouraged to inform a Parks Department employee or a Park Enforcement Officer if one is available. Otherwise, complaints can be made by calling 311.
The city is also planning an ad campaign to alert everyone of the changes.
