NYC to ban smoking on beaches and in parks

NEW YORK, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- The New York City Council approved a measure banning smoking in parks and along beaches despite one member labeling the move "totalitarian."

The bill passed 36-to-12 Wednesday bans smoking in 1,700 city parks and along 14 miles of beaches, The New York Times reported.

"We're moving towards a totalitarian society if, in fact, we're going to have those kinds of restrictions on New Yorkers," said Councilman Robert Jackson of Manhattan, adding he is a marathon runner and non-smoker.

Council speaker Christine C. Quinn said the ban will protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.

"Their health and their lives should not be negatively impacted because other people have decided to smoke," Quinn said.

The council rejected an alternative proposal that would establish smoking areas outdoors.

The bill becomes law 90 days after Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has long been an opponent of smoking, signs it. He is expected to sign it within a month. Bloomberg pushed for a ban on smoking in restaurants in 2002.

Violators could be fined $50 for lighting up.

"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," Bloomberg said.