Politics & Government

Bay Terrace Smoke-free Activists Laud Bloomberg

With NYC smoking rates at an all time low, local smoke-free advocates credit the Bloomberg administration.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's aggressive efforts to curb smoking has paid off in a big way, with the total number of smokers down 35 percent since 2002. Those efforts aren’t lost on a group of local activists

Smoking became outlawed in virtually all indoor areas across New York City in 2002, and has since extended to include public parks and beaches— in large part because of the efforts of Bay Terrace activists.

The BTCA , heralding the end of what was for them a years-long effort to legislate smoke-free parks, beaches and plazas.

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“The individuals most responsible for this achievement I believe are Mayor Mike Bloomberg and former NYC Health Commissioner, Dr. Thomas Frieden (now head of the FDA),” said. Phil Kongsberg of the BTCA. “If I recall, Dr. Frieden had agreed to accept the position of Health Commissioner on the condition that Mayor Bloomberg agreed to aggressive tobacco control efforts including the provisions in the Smokefree Air Act which went into effect on March 30, 2003,” he added.

His BTCA colleague agrees.

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There has been a concerted effort in NYC to reduce smoking and tobacco use, which while still ongoing, seems to be succeeding,” said BTCA President Warren Schreiber, adding, “I like to believe that the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, one of the first groups to call for smoke-free parks in New York City, played some small role in providing New Yorkers with a breath of fresh air.”

In spite of these efforts, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas A. Farley said there is still work to be done, estimating that smoking will kill 7,000 people this year.

Those seeking help quitting are encouraged to call 311.


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