NYC mulls ban on smoking while walking

A New York City councilman is proposing a new bill that would ban people from smoking while walking. 

Democratic Councilman Peter Koo from Queens said his bill would make it a misdemeanor to walk and smoke at the same time, with a likely fine of $50, according to Fox 5.

“My bill is very simple, no smoking and walking on New York City Sidewalks,” Koo said, according to the news outlet.

{mosads}Under Koo’s proposal, smokers would be allowed to stand in one spot and smoke, in the hope of keeping secondhand smoke away from non-smokers.

New Yorkers are already barred from smoking in most workplaces, bars, restaurants and public areas like parks. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) signed a law in 2017 aimed at decreasing tobacco use by raising prices and local taxes for tobacco products. 

Opponents of the new bill say it would preoccupy much-needed police resources, Fox 5 reported.

But Koo said he’s not worried the ban would appear to infringe on civil liberties.

“This bill is not against smoking, just don’t do both together,” Koo said, according to the news outlet.