Syracuse bans smoking in city parks, downtown public areas

Tim Knauss


SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Smoking will be banned as of Oct. 1 in all city parks, including downtown public areas such as Clinton Square and Columbus Circle. The Common Council voted 7-2 today to impose the ban, and Mayor Stephanie Miner plans to sign it.

Sponsors of the measure, Councilors Bob Dougherty and Khalid Bey, said they delayed implementation until October to give Clinton Square festival organizers time to adapt. Beginning next year, it's likely that festival-goers will be directed away from Clinton Square onto surrounding streets if they wish to smoke, Bey said.

The fine for violations will be $50, but councilors said they expect police to issue more warnings than tickets. Most of the enforcement likely will occur through "peer pressure,'' Dougherty said.


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