No Smoking Outside in New York City is the Plan

Residents of New York City will not be able to smoke cigarettes or cigars on public beaches, walkways, and marinas when new legislation is passed. The Big Apple has already banned indoor smoking as well as smoking outside in public parks.

Mayor Bloomberg announced this impending legislation on Wednesday September 15, 2010 according to a report on the state's official web site. He went on to say that, most New Yorkers have already quit smoking and the rest of the populace would most likely follow the law. Failure to comply with the law will result in a summons for New Yorkers as well as the visitors to the city.

The known heath effects of smoking were taken in to consideration when drafting this legislation. They continue to be the driving force of the bill. The effects of second hand smoke are known to cause health problems for everyone who breathes the air. This second hand smoke causes lung problems, cancer, strokes, and heart disease in otherwise normal healthy individuals.

Proponents of smoker's rights are arguing that this legislation will take away their freedom of choice to smoke cigarettes. On the other side of the coin, you have those who support the ban on smoking in all areas. This legislation to ban smoking is once again pitting the two sides together. While this reporter does assume that all New York City residents wish everyone to be healthy, I can see where this smoking ban will have issues. It does appear that the smokers are losing the battle and some of their American freedoms.

It has been six years now since the city has banned indoor smoking in work places, restaurants, and nightclubs. The ban chased the smokers outside any public buildings and this new one will force those people who choose to partake of cigarettes and cigars out of the city. There will be very few places in the city if this legislation is passed to smoke.

The real test of this newest ban will be on New Year's Eve when the thousands that attend the 'Ball Drop' at Times Square. With that, many people in one place together it will be tough if not impossible to keep from lighting up. Passing out summons to those who break the law by lighting up just may overwhelm the police and detract them from arresting the real criminals.

The people complained when that no smoking indoors bill was passed years ago, yet smoking still happens in some buildings even with the risk of a fine. Those same people are sure to complain when this new ban takes effect. However, with the raising cost of tobacco products in statewide in New York it will be easier of the population to quit.

Resources:

http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20016563-504083.html

http://fee.org/articles/in-brief/ban-outdoor-smoking-sought-york-city/