Complying with Tobacco Laws, To Tough or Not Enough
Starting May 23rd, New York smokers will be faced with a new decision: put out their cigarettes in parks and beaches, or face a 50 fine.
This question was raised by a new public smoking ban that was signed into law in February.
This ban has dismayed many New York smokers who have already lost the ability to smoke inside bars and restaurants, and face cigarettes prices of 13 a pack, must now be wondering if there will be anywhere left where they’re allowed to smoke.
This and similar bans raise an important question: how easy will it be for smokers to comply with this law? Will there be clear signs indicating where smoking is prohibited, or will violators of the ban only learn it when they are told by a police officer, with a 50 ticket in hand?
While supporters of the ban hope that it will make public areas in New York smoke-free, many smokers have openly said that they would fight this ban, and some have even said that they intend to ignore it.
It may not be until after it goes into effect before we know whether this law is too tough, or not tough enough.
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