In 2010, Mayor Bloomberg extended the city's smoking ban to include popular NYC outdoor spaces such as Central Park, Times Square and Coney Island.
Mayor Bloomberg said, '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'.
Violators of the new law could face a fine for as much as $250 but City officials say they expect New Yorkers and tourists to follow the new regulation.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe said: 'By supporting this legislation, we welcome the chance to improve the beauty and health of the City's public outdoor spaces.
The ban also extends to 29,000 acres of parkland in the city and 14 miles of public beaches. Smoking was already banned in some parks facilities including playgrounds, but not in most open recreational areas.
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