Prohibiting Smoking in Pedestrian Plazas and Public Parks
A Good Idea
Description
On February 2, 2011, members of the New York City Council (the Council) voted to expand the city's Smoke Free Air Act, banning smoking in city parks, beaches, marinas, boardwalks, pools, recreation centers, pedestrian plazas, and all other property under the jurisdiction of the Parks Department. As one impetus for the legislation, the Council cited the results of a recent study in New York City, which found that 2.5 million people had been exposed to high enough levels of second hand smoke to result in measurable levels of residue in their bodies. The law will be enforced by the Parks Department and if violated, may result in a $50 fine per violation.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the law is to protect the health of New Yorkers by reducing second hand smoke exposure.
Results / Accomplishments
The law was signed into legislation on February 2, 2011; no evaluation has taken place at this time.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
City of New York
Primary Contact
Christine C. Quinn, City Council Speaker
250 Broadway
Suite 1856
New York, New York 10007
(212) 788-7210
http://council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml
250 Broadway
Suite 1856
New York, New York 10007
(212) 788-7210
http://council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml
Topics
Health / Respiratory Diseases
Health / Prevention & Safety
Community / Governance
Health / Prevention & Safety
Community / Governance
Organization(s)
City of New York
Source
New York City Council
Date of implementation
2/2/2011
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
New York City, NY
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults, Women, Men, Older Adults, Families