Smoking could be snuffed out in Central Park, Coney Island as NYC pursues park, beach ban

NYC to try banning smoking in parks and beaches

NEW YORK — New York City officials want to take their smoking ban outdoors.

City officials announced new legislation on Wednesday that would outlaw smoking in parks, beaches, marinas, boardwalks and pedestrian plazas throughout the city.

That means no smoking in Central Park or on the Coney Island boardwalk. Violators could be issued quality-of-life summonses by the parks department.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said in the past he was skeptical the city could pass such an expansive smoking ban. But the staunchly anti-tobacco mayor said in July he was waiting for a final city report on the idea.

The City Council legislation will require hearings before the full 51-member body can vote.

Other states and cities nationwide have similar bans in parks and beaches.