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Palisades Center In West Nyack Goes Tobacco Free

WEST NYACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A new tobacco-free policy has gone into effect at the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack.

It's one of more than a dozen malls owned Pyramid Management Group that is now 100 percent tobacco free, part of a new policy that began on Thursday.

WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reports

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It includes all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco as well as "similar substances or instruments that are lit or burning" like electronic cigarettes, the company said.

"We strongly believe this new policy will not only support our employees and guests who are sensitive to secondhand smoke or are trying to quit smoking, but it also will provide a more enjoyable and healthier shopping experience to the millions of visitors who come through our doors each year," James L. Soos, Director of Asset Management for Pyramid Management Group said in statement.

The no tobacco policy even includes parking lots and loading docks and applies to everyone.

"You start to understand that the best policy is one with a very bright line that says once you drive onto the property, put out your cigarette," said Russ Sciandra of the America Cancer Society.

The mall's management said there is no big crackdown and customers and employees are being given what are called "gentle reminders" about the new policy.

For more information, visit www.palisadescenter.com.

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