"Tobacco is not an illegal substance yet the government is persecuting a minority. I think that's a disgrace in a social democracy."
Sir Ronald Harwood,
Playwright and screenwriter
Media Centre
Forest slams New York ban on beaches, parks and plazas
Sunday 22nd May 2011
The smokers' group Forest has criticised the extension of New York’s smoking ban to the city’s parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas..
The ban goes into effect on Monday 23 May. It will cover 1,700 parks and 14 miles of public beaches plus boardwalks, marinas and pedestrian plazas.
The ban was passed by New York’s City Council and signed by Mayor Bloomberg in February. Supporters of the ban say even brief exposure to second-hand smoke can pose health risks.
Simon Clark, director of Forest, which campaigns for smokers’ rights, said: “The idea that people are at risk from someone smoking in the open air is an insult to our intelligence.
“Campaigners hope to stop people smoking outside by creating an irrational fear of tobacco smoke that is out of all proportion to the alleged risk of exposure to second-hand smoke.
“If you don’t like the smell of tobacco in a park or pedestrian area, move away. It’s as simple as that.”
ends
For further comment:
Simon Clark 07774 781840
Our Supporters
Register Your Support >
Are you a smoker who is tired of being targetted for your habit?
