Smokers' Rights Group Sues To Remove No-Smoking Signs At NY Parks

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A group advocating smokers' rights has sued the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to remove outdoor no-smoking signs from state parks, beaches, pools and historic sites, saying they subject smokers to hostile confrontations.

NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment said the signs are misleading since the Cuomo administration in May suspended planned restrictions that would be enforced with a potential disorderly conduct ticket.

Parks officials instead plan a formal rule-making to designate smoke-free areas in limited outdoor settings within its 178 state parks and 35 historic sites.

They aim to ban smoking where many people congregate, like playgrounds, pools and all state parks in New York City.

Meanwhile, signs remain up with voluntary compliance.

The suit also opposes new regulations to limit outdoor smoking.

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