New York City’s mayor, Mr Michael Bloomberg, has submitted new legislation to ban smoking in all the city's bars and restaurants, saying it would prove a key move in labour health protection.
If adopted by the City Council, the law will make New York's anti-smoking measures among the toughest in the United States.
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The mayor's main target is the estimated 13,000 bars and restaurants in New York which the existing law allows to operate a smoking policy because they have less than 35 seats.
The "2002 New York City Smoke-Free Act" will also prevent smokers lighting up in pool halls, bingo parlours and bowling alleys.
Mr Bloomberg said he recognised the right of smokers to continue with their habit, despite numerous warnings of the potential health damage.
"But what you don't have a right to do, and what this law will enforce, is you don't have a right to hurt others," Bloomberg told reporters.
"I am proud that New York City will be a national leader in tackling the most pressing public health issue facing New Yorkers and all American today: the devastating consequences of smoking," he said.
"No one should have to breathe poison to hold a job or frequent a public space."
New York is already the most expensive place in the United States to smoke after Bloomberg hiked the tax on a packet of cigarettes from eight cents to 1.50 dollars in June.
The increase sent the average price of a pack soaring to 7.5 dollars. Figures released this week by the city's department of finance showed the number of packs sold in July was down 47 percent from the same month last year at a little more than 15.6 million.
AFP