Ban Eyed on Smoking in Cars Carrying Minors
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Smoking, already banned from New York bars and restaurants, could soon be barred from cars in the city carrying passengers under the age of 18.
A City Council member of Queens and chairman of the council’s environmental protection committee, James Gennaro, said he is planning to introduce a bill later this month that would ban smoking from cars carrying minors.
“I am just seeking every opportunity I can to denormalize smoking and to try to put it out of the reach of kids,” Mr. Gennaro said. “I’ve lost family members to lung cancer and I’ve seen what happens.”
Violators would face a fine of $200 to $400 for a first time violation, $500 to $1,000 for a second violation in a single year, and between $1,000 and $2,000 for a third violation in a year. The New York Police Department would be tasked with enforcing the law.
Similar legislation was enacted in Rockland County in June. Critics called the law an invasion of privacy and a violation of personal liberties.
When asked about criticism such a ban might face, Mr. Gennaro said he had “a great answer.”
“Boohoo. Get over it,” he said. “You can’t subject kids to 43 carcinogens and 250 poisonous chemicals and claim privacy. Get over it. Their right to privacy doesn’t extend so far as to poisoning kids.”
