via BBC News
Some of the toughest anti-smoking measures to be adopted in a major city have been approved by councillors in New York.
The measures are set to extend a smoking ban to municipal parks, beaches and even Times Square.
The ban will take effect three months after it is signed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
It will make it an offence to light up in any of the city’s 1,700 parks and along 14 miles (23km) of coastline.
“This summer, New Yorkers who go to our parks and beaches for some fresh air and fun will be able to breathe even cleaner air and sit on a beach not littered with cigarette butts,” Mr Bloomberg said after the 36-12 vote.
The ban is set to encompass pedestrian areas like the one in Times Square.
It will give the city’s Parks Department the power to impose fines similar to those used for minor offences like begging or public urination. They carry fines of under $100
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Article courtesy bbc.co.uk
