The New York government signs a ban on smoking on state-owned beaches and parks

New Yorkers hoping to enjoy a cigarette or puff at one of the state’s beaches or parks might want to think twice.

Kathy Hochul, the state’s Democratic Gov., signed legislation last month banning “smoking on all state beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers and group camps.”

Anyone caught smoking in such areas faces a $50 fine.

“Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects not only the smoker but everyone around them, including families and children who enjoy our state’s great public spaces,” Hochul said in a statement after the law was signed last month. “I’m proud to be signing this law, which protects the health of New Yorkers and helps reduce litter in public parks and beaches across the state.”

The new law applies to both tobacco and cannabis.

Recreational marijuana use has been legal in the Empire State since last year, when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law.

The law allowed cannabis use anywhere tobacco use is legal.

The law, signed last month, “exempts the Adirondacks and Catskills from the [smoking] Prohibition as well as parking lots, sidewalks adjacent to parks and areas not used for parking purposes,” the governor’s office said.

“Many municipalities and local governments already have restrictions or bans on smoking in public places. This additional penalty will enforce a nationwide ban and will include a fine to be levied by the municipalities,” Hochul’s office said in the press release issued last month. “In addition to the health risks from secondhand smoke, cigarette butts pose a major environmental hazard due to the non-biodegradable filters that are discarded. They are the most important item found in clean-up projects. This ban will keep parks and beaches cleaner and safer, as well as our local ecosystems.”

The law was hailed by several New York lawmakers.

“The public parks in New York are family-friendly places. No one, especially children, should be exposed to secondhand smoke while playing in a playground or enjoying the day at a public beach or campground,” said Democratic State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Our parks should also not be littered with non-biodegradable cigarette butts strewn around their grounds. I am proud to sponsor this bill to protect and enhance our beautiful network of parks, and I thank Governor Hochul for helping New Yorkers enjoy the beauty of our parks by signing it.”

New York State Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Democrat, said the law honors the spirit of public green.

“New Yorkers go to our parks for fresh air and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is the opposite of that. I am delighted that Gov. Hochul signed this important statewide ban on smoking in parks into law, and thank my colleagues for their crucial support of this bill over the years,” Dinowitz said last month.

While New Yorkers 21 and older have been able to legally possess and use cannabis since last year, the state’s regulated cannabis market is not expected to launch until later this year.

Hochul took over as governor last summer after Cuomo resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct, and she has since taken a proactive role in shaping the state’s burgeoning legal cannabis industry.

Last month, Hochul announced a $5 million grant to support cannabis industry training at New York City’s community colleges.

“New York’s emerging cannabis industry is creating exciting opportunities, and we will ensure New Yorkers seeking careers in this growing sector receive the quality education they need to succeed,” Hochul said in the funding announcement . “Diversity and inclusion make the New York workforce a competitive, strong asset, and we will continue to take concrete steps to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate in the cannabis industry.”