mc_squared Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 New York plans to ban smoking in public parks and outdoor spaces By Annette Witheridge Last updated at 10:22 PM on 15th September 2009 Comments (111) Add to My Stories Smokers could be banned from lighting up outside in some areas of New York. The city banned smoking in public buildings six years ago. It was so successful that Britain and many other European countries followed suit. Officials in New York now hope to extend the ban to the city's 1,700 parks and seven beaches. Since July 2007 smokers in Britain have been banned from smoking in enclosed public spaces Health Commissioner Dr Thomas Farley said the proposal was part of a dossier aimed at improving New Yorkers' health over the next three years. The plans also include ways of cutting obesity and drug and alcohol abuse. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, himself an ex-smoker, faced an outcry from bar owners when he introduced the ban on smoking indoors in 2003. The ban extended to three-quarters of outdoor seating at restaurants and bars but many establishments banned it all together because smokers argued over the few tables available to them. However, the ban has since been widely accepted and is credited with reducing the proportion of New Yorkers who smoke from 21.5 per cent to 15.8 per cent. Mr Bloomberg, who was with London Mayor Boris Johnson at an economic conference in New York, has cautiously welcomed the latest proposals. 'It may not be logistically possible to enforce a ban across thousands of acres,' he said. 'But there may be areas within parks where restricting smoking can protect health.' Anti-smoking groups also welcomed the idea. Cheryl Heaton, president of the American Legacy Foundation group, said: 'There is no redeeming value in smoking at beaches or parks. 'Anyone who has sat behind someone smoking a stogie (cigar) can tell you that. The health risks are real. Secondhand smoke is deadly.' Dr David Kessler, a former commissioner at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration watchdog, said: 'While undoubtedly some will think this is going too far, ten years from now, we'll look back and ask how it could have been otherwise.' David Sutton, a spokesman for tobacco company Philip Morris, said his firm supported smoking bans in public buildings and workplaces but added: 'We maintain that complete bans go too far. 'We believe that smoking should be permitted outdoors except in very particular circumstances, such as outdoor areas primarily designed for children.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a_face_of_light Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 How stupid, it's outside it doesn't really affect anyone, I don't smoke but don't care what others do, I think the smoking ban indoors is a good idea though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matter-Eater Lad Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 How stupid, it's outside it doesn't really affect anyone, I don't smoke but don't care what others do, I think the smoking ban indoors is a good idea though. In public buildings it should be banned, however anywhere private it should not. If a restaurant wants to let people smoke, it's their right and if people don't like it don't go there, it's that simple. This is just another case of the elitist trying to force their personal views on us and saying "we know what is best for you, more than you do". As far as smoking outside, I don't think it should be banned you're not in a small space where you have to breath a lot of it in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berrywoman Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Indoor smoking, whether it be bars, restaurants, office buildings etc... I agree with the ban. You're forcing (as Nick just said) elitest views on those stuck in these spaces with you.. "inhale my smoke!!" BUT outdoor.. hmmm thats tough. I think they can designate certain areas for smoking like they do now in some places.. but outright banning? Thats ridiculous. For example.. at my job, come January.. smokers can not smoke ANYWHERE on hospital property. So, what happens to them? They are now FORCED into not smoking? However good of a habit this might turn into, maybe some will quit.. but it should still be their choice... I kinda feel bad for the smokers.. I dont smoke anymore... quit about 2 years now.. but, still I feel like in some small way its discriminatory towards smokers. Not that extreme.. but you get my jist... don't you? :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
an angel Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 It's already illegal to smoke in public in my town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh42 Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Fucking ridiculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i'maveryneatMonster.' Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 :(.. And then what, ban people from smoking in their own houses and then prohibit to buy cigarettes? Noes. I want to be free to smoke. FUCK THE LAW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh42 Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 FUCK THE LAW. People need to realize that no matter what the issue is, there's always going to be somebody saying "fuck the law". Therefore, the only logical conclusion that can be reached is to stop dictating other people's personal lives. Stop voting, because when you do, you're giving support to these people who are telling others how to live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i'maveryneatMonster.' Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 People need to realize that no matter what the issue is, there's always going to be somebody saying "fuck the law". Therefore, the only logical conclusion that can be reached is to stop dictating other people's personal lives. Stop voting, because when you do, you're giving support to these people who are telling others how to live. Josh, I've never voted in my life, and I'll never vote. Fuck the law meant, stop fucking with us and start doing something better than stealing people's money and kicking our asses with stupid laws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh42 Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Josh, I've never voted in my life, and I'll never vote. Fuck the law meant, stop fucking with us and start doing something better than stealing people's money and kicking our asses with stupid laws. Good. Government has no real value in society. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matter-Eater Lad Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 You're forcing (as Nick just said) elitest views on those stuck in these spaces with you.. In a PRIVATE place you're not forcing anyone to be around the smoke. Private property owners should allow people to do as they please in confines of the law of course. No one is forcing anyone to go to that bar and inhale the second had smoke, they can go outside or drink in their own home. Elitism is telling people what they can and can't do with their personal property or private space. If I want to let two guys smoke in my bar or fuck or talk politics or make fun of fat people, it should be my and their right and if anyone does not like it, they have the RIGHT to leave. Don't go to a mosque and complain about Islam poisoning your values and try to have the government to force them to stop because of Elitism, whenever it's private property you can leave and never come back if you do not agree or like what is going on there. It's that simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berrywoman Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 In a PRIVATE place you're not forcing anyone to be around the smoke. Private property owners should allow people to do as they please in confines of the law of course. No one is forcing anyone to go to that bar and inhale the second had smoke, they can go outside or drink in their own home. Elitism is telling people what they can and can't do with their personal property or private space. If I want to let two guys smoke in my bar or fuck or talk politics or make fun of fat people, it should be my and their right and if anyone does not like it, they have the RIGHT to leave. Don't go to a mosque and complain about Islam poisoning your values and try to have the government to force them to stop because of Elitism, whenever it's private property you can leave and never come back if you do not agree or like what is going on there. It's that simple. :surprised: I think you took my words too literal.. lol I was half agreeing with you with my weak attempt... :rolleyes: when I say private I mean in a restaurant etc. Private property such as ones house, thats a whole different story. You mean to tell me that if I went to your house (for example) and you dont smoke... you dont like smoke in your HOME but, I can light up in your house? :confused: Of course not.. I'm in agreement with the law that currently stands in NY. But this new 'idea' is ridiculous... thats all I'm sayin! WTF with the mosque bit?? Thats apples and oranges here... dont talk to me about religion.. thats one topic I wont discuss. thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saffire Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 This all started when they banned public nudity. And you people cried "slippery slope" when I warned you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berrywoman Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 :lol: true lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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