New York City Bans Smoking in Public Areas
New York 
bases its tourism on the slogan ”I LOVE NY”. One group is about to end their love affair with the city, and that is smokers.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed into law a ban on smoking on public streets, beaches, parks and plazas. The ban goes into effect 90 days after signing.
New York isn’t unique in banning smoking in public parks and beaches but this ban is going much further. They want to make sure that any area including open plazas and public streets are also smoke free.
It’s surprising that New York would be the one to take up the cause for smoke free living. In a city where people tend to go about their busy lives you wouldn’t think they would be the one to take up the fight for clean air and worry about the health of those around them.
In the past even strong anti-nonsmoking proponents who fight for legislation against smoking have backed off of a ban that is this strict. They have tried to balance the rights of non-smokers against the rights of the smoker.
There is definitely going to be a debate on civil liberties and whether you really can ban citizens from smoking in all public areas. The other issue is going to be enforcement. The ban will be in effect but will policemen really take the time to go after smokers.
It’s always been a struggle for smokers and non-smokers to find common ground. Now to find that ground they might have to do it someplace other than New York City.
Follow Technorati