Under a proposed law that is backed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council leaders, ban on smoking would be expanded at the New York City from indoor workplaces to outdoor venues also. Under the ban places like beaches and public parks will be included.

For protecting people from the harmful effect of secondhand smoke, the mayor, joined by Council Speaker Christine Quinn and representatives from the American Cancer Society, said from restaurants, offices, bars and playgrounds the Smoke Free Air Act, a 2002 law would be applicable to other areas as well.

Bloomberg added, “The science is clear, prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke whether you’re indoors or out, hurts your health. Today, we’re doing something about it.”

Tobacco use has been targeted by the 68-year0old mayor for the benefit of public health.

It was stated by a city Health Department survey in 2008 that due to the ban applied on smoking at certain areas earlier there was a reduction in smoking. Even teenagers had reduced smoking which was a good sign. There was a 50 per cent reduction in teenagers smoking.