Bloomberg gets tough on smoking New Yorkers

New York City Mayor announced a law that will prohibit smoking in more popular hotspots.

Getting tough on smokers,New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced a law that will prohibit smoking in more popular hotspots like Times Square and Central Park.

Under the new rules,smoking ban in restaurants and bar will be extended to public places like all city parks,beaches and pedestrian plazas.

The science is clear: prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke,whether youre indoors or out,hurts your health, Bloomberg said in a statement.

Story continues below this ad

The law has to be passed by the City Council and the anti-smoking bill will be introduced today.

Fines for smoking out of bounds could reach as much as USD 250,but authorities say smoking summons would most likely be around USD 50,according to CBS News.

When you breathe secondhand tobacco smoke,youre inhaling a bouquet of … toxins and carcinogens, Bloomberg said,as quoted by USA Today. When New Yorkers and visitors … go to the parks and beaches for fresh air,there will actually be fresh air for them to breathe.

A study conducted by Stanford University shows that someone seated within three feet of a smoker,even in the open air was exposed to almost the same levels of secondhand smoke as compared to a person sitting indoors.

Story continues below this ad

A question I know people are going to ask,Does this include me walking up and down the street?,Christine Quinn said,City Council speaker,who supports the ban.

We do not want the person whos sitting at the little table – they can’t smoke, she added,as quoted by The New York Times.

If you want to light up,keep moving,said Jessica Scaperotti,mayors spokesperson,noting that smoking on the sidewalk will be okay.