New York Times Blog: September 16, 2010

The article, "Mayor's Next Targets for a Smoking Ban: Parks and Beaches" by, Anemona Hartocollis interested me because of the amount of people who smoke on campus. I remember when I started here as a freshman I was astounded at the amount of young people who continue to smoke with the knowledge of its long-term affects and illnesses. UNH has a rule that smokers aren't allowed to smoke within 20 feet of a building but not only is 20 feet not far enough... no one even listens to that rule. From this article I learned that New York City Mayor Bloomberg has already put a ban on smoking in public places such as restaurants and bars but also plans to ban it in areas like parks, beaches, and pedestrian malls. Last year this ban was brought to the Mayor's attention but he didn't approve it right away. After mny months of research done on second hand smoking these new laws are set to be effective as of Thursday, Sept. 16. This new law covers 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities along with 14 miles of city beaches, boardwalks, public marinas and pedestrian malls. Bloomberg ruled in favor of this law after learning that someone not smoking but sitting within three feet of a smoker even in open air received the same second-hand effects as someone in the same situation indoors would. Bloomberg commented, "When New Yorkers and visitors go to parks and beaches for fresh air, there will actually be fresh air for them to breathe." There are still things to be worked out but officials are estimating around a $50 fine for offenders.