Gennaro calls for smoking ban in cars

Saying, “It is my belief that people’s right to privacy doesn’t extend to force-feeding their children cigarettes within the confines of the car,” City Councilmember James F. Gennaro has introduced smoke-free cars legislation, which makes it unlawful for any operator or passenger in a vehicle to smoke when a person younger than 18 is present.
Gennaro, who chairs the council’s Environmental Protection Committee, first announced his proposal on the City Hall steps on Thursday, August 16. He was joined at that press conference by regional legislators, healthcare professionals and advocates, including Jon Barone, a registered nurse practitioner and New Jersey county health commissioner who was the first in the Northeast to propose such a ban.
“Councilmember Gennaro and New York have recognized that tobacco smoke constitutes a substantial health hazard to the nonsmoking majority,” Barone said. “Secondhand smoke is a major, preventable contributor to acute and chronic adverse health outcomes that affect children.”
“Secondhand smoke kills, and there is no disputing that fact,” City Council Finance chair David Weprin said. “We must employ all means within our power to ensure that minors are not subjected to the dangers of secondhand smoke simply because they are passengers in a car with an adult who smokes.”
Weprin withdrew his own proposal from consideration by the council recently, and has thrown his support behind Gennaro’s plan.
Gennaro’s legislation is modeled upon a law passed in Rockland County on June 15, which made it unlawful for anyone to smoke in a vehicle carrying minors.
Rockland County Legislator Connie Coker, who introduced the bill, which was unanimously approved, said, “Councilman Gennaro’s legislation emphasizes the hazards of smoking around babies and children, and is a powerful deterrent.”
Gennaro’s bill calls for a $100 fine per violation. Police would be empowered to enforce the ban.