Forest slams ban on smoking in New York parks, beaches and plazas

Mon 23rd May, 2011

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, 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.”

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