LIRR ban on platform smoking starts Sunday

Come Sunday, there will be one less public place where smokers can light up -- railroad platforms.

Those who disregard the ban and puff away will get off with a warning for now, according to the MTA, which voted in September to prohibit smoking in most outdoor areas of Long Island Rail Road stations.

"The new law provides positive impacts for health and safety as well as reducing the potential for track fires," LIRR president Helena Williams said in a statement. "The majority of our customers and employees are eagerly awaiting a smoke-free environment at our outdoor areas."

To get the message out, MTA officials enlisted the help of notable sports figures such as Joe Namath, Tommy John and Rod Gilbert to record public service announcements.

The new policy complies with a new state law signed in August prohibiting smoking at outdoor "ticketing, boarding or platform areas" of the MTA's two commuter railroads -- the LIRR and Metro-North Railroad. Smoking has been banned inside LIRR trains and indoor areas since 1990.

It's not clear when the grace period will end, a spokesman for the MTA said. Rules have to be written and then adopted by the MTA board first. At that point, violators will face $50 fines and up to 30 days in jail.