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New York City and Philadelphia start 100% smokefree ban for outdoor recreational areas (The New York Times)

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On May 23, the law signed by New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg in February banning smoking in recreational areas took effect in New York City. The ban includes all public parks, pedestrian plazas such as Times Square, golf courses, playgrounds, recreation centers, public beaches, pools, boardwalks, marinas, and all other property, equipment, buildings and facilities controlled by the department of parks and recreation. Read May 24, 2011 NY Times article on enforcement.

On the same day, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed into law his Executive order requiring that City-owned recreational centers, playgrounds and pools 100% smokefree. As of July 1, 2011, smoking is no longer allowed anywhere on all 200 city owned recreation center properties, both indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds, ball fields, courts, parking lots, lawns, and pool areas. Approximately 1,000 signs will be posted in recreation spaces notifying visitors and staff about the new smoke-free policy. Thousands of wallet-sized cards with information about the policy and resources for help with quitting will also be distributed.Call 215-685-5681 to report violations. Read Mayor Nutter’s May 23 Executive OrderPress ReleaseFact Sheet.

Read the GASP press release congratulating NYC and Philadelphia. Read GASP’s white paper on smokefree outdoor bans. Visit our webpage with supporting information.