A park smoking ban has been enacted in Nassau County, N.Y., a change that was revealed on Monday when the county legislature unanimously voted to accept a $4,000 donation from the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island for new signage indicating the ban.
As Newsday reported, a summary of the measure indicated that County Executive Edward Mangano “has authorized the acting parks commissioner to ban smoking in all Nassau County parks.” It was in legislation passed last month that raised several usage fees also reinstated the power of the park commissioner to set rules and regulations “as is deemed necessary and proper.”
The ban applies to all playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation area and county preserves, but does not apply to parking lots or public golf courses. The ordinance does not currently include any fines for violators.
Earlier this year, the county considered raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 19 to 21, but the proposal was never brought to the floor for a vote.