New York smoking curbs to include jails
New York’s controversial smoking ban is to be extended to the city’s prison population, it was announced today.
The new law, which will outlaw lighting-up in almost all public spaces from April 1, will also cover jails, denying inmates of one of their few privileges.
“We’re going to have to run smoke free jails in the city,” New York Corrections Commissioner Martin Horn told a council hearing.
He said the ban could raise tensions and lead to disruption from angry prisoners, who are currently allowed to smoke in designated areas.
Special programmes are being organised to help inmates live without cigarettes, he said.
Prison guards union leaders also oppose the ban and are considering a lawsuit to block it from being enacted.
Norman Seabrook, president of the Corrections Officers Benevolent Association, said staff were concerned that if they bring cigarettes and matches to work they could be charged with carrying contraband.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a former smoker, passed a bill last December banning smoking in New York’s 14,000 bars and restaurants.
He said the legislation was primarily aimed at protecting bar workers from cigarette smoke.
