LIRR, Metro-North Begin Enforcing Outdoor Smoking Ban
MNEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North have started enforcing a smoking ban on platforms, ticketing and boarding areas.
The ban went into effect in November.
The New York State Department of Health estimates that second-hand smoke kills 2,500 New Yorkers every year.
WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reports
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Up until now, those caught smoking in the prohibited areas have been let off with a warning.
Now, violators face ejection, fines of up to $50 and up to 30 days in jail.
Reaction from riders on the ban is mixed.
"It's ridiculous," one man told WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs. "They don't want to have you smoke stop selling them, otherwise leave people alone for a little while."
"Health-wise it's a very good thing and everybody just has to stop bickering about every little thing in life because life's too short," another man said.
Smoking on LIRR trains and inside terminals has been banned since 1990.
Connecticut Metro-North stations are not subject to the New York state ban.
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