oh, so what people can still smoke outside right? Perhaps not, according to the Post. Clearly the intent is to ban smoking uterly, just in piece meal. Hey where is the ACLU?
August 13, 2002 -- Anti-smoking advocates who convinced Mayor Bloomberg to propose a tough new law banning butts in bars, company cars and all restaurants have already zeroed in on their next targets: parks and beaches.
"Our parks don't allow alcoholic beverages. Our parks don't allow dogs in a lot of them. They don't allow loud music. But they still allow smoking," said Joe Cherner, the city's leading anti-smoking spokesman.
"Eventually, after this legislation, we would like to see smoke-free beaches and smoke-free parks addressed."
Cherner was one of two dozen people who joined the mayor in City Hall Park yesterday to promote a bill extending the city's smoking ban to bars, billiard and bingo parlors, all restaurants, outdoor cafes, city vehicles and company cars if a single occupant objects.
Bloomberg even suggested that smoking be outlawed in tobacco shops.
"If people work there, it shouldn't be allowed," he said, apparently unaware that his new bill specifically excludes those shops.
The mayor gave up smoking nearly 20 years ago - sources said he favored "tipped" cigars - and, by his words and deeds in recent days, he's made it clear he's on a crusade to stamp out the nicotine habit in New York.
Last week, he called smokers "crazy." Yesterday, he added "stupid."
Upping the ante, Bloomberg then warned, "It's not hard to see someday some child suing their parents if the child comes down with cancer. That's probably going to happen."
Philip Morris, the cigarette giant headquartered here, was singled out for attack by James Oddo, the City Council Republican leader.
"This battle is about us and Philip Morris, and what they're trying to do to New Yorkers," said Oddo.
Brendan McCormick, a Philip Morris spokesman, responded that the new bill was far too restrictive, especially for small businesses, and that he hoped the council would keep an open mind.
Bloomberg suggested the anti-smoking bill was a done deal, mentioning assurances he had from Council Speaker Gifford Miller.
But Miller's top aide, Forrest Taylor, criticized the mayor for disclosing a private discussion and merely committed to "a full and fair hearing at the appropriate time."