City expands smoking ban to parks, beaches

New York City lawmakers have voted to extend the city's smoking ban to parks and beaches.

The ban was approved by a vote of 36-12 Wednesday. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the law will save lives and make New York a healthier place to live.

The smoking ban will cover about 1,700 parks and 14 miles of public beaches plus boardwalks, marinas and pedestrian plazas, including Times Square. Signs announcing the ban will be posted within 90 days. New York City outlawed smoking in bars and restaurants in 2002.

States and cities from Maine to California have banned smoking in public parks and beaches, but New York is pursuing one of the widest-reaching urban bans.

Supporters of the New York ban said exposure to secondhand smoke poses health risks. Many smokers say the law will infringe on their rights. - AP