Smoking Banned Near After School Programs

State Senator George Latimer (D-Westchester)  announced legislation last week banning smoking near after-school programs and education institutions has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo. This legislation, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), was passed unanimously by the State Senate this past June.

“Secondhand smoke is dangerous, and extremely dangerous to young children. It can affect their health and development. Although it is already prohibited near schools and playgrounds, until today it did not includes areas near after school programs,” Senator Latimer said.

Workplace smoking has been banned for more than a decade in New York, and schools and other public areas have had smoking restrictions enacted. This bill, Senate Bill S.993-A, prohibits smoking within 100 feet of after-school programs, schools and their entrances.

“This is a common sense measure, pure and simple. It is our duty to meet the health and safety needs of our children while they are in and around the learning environment,” Senator Latimer added. “We know the importance of after school programs to help children succeed; the protections we apply to them during school hours are just as important after school”.

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