NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The New York State Fair on Wednesday announced that it will be banning open outdoor smoking at the fairgrounds beginning in 2022.
Smoking is already prohibited by state law inside buildings, and by fair policy at Chevy Court and Chevy Park concert venues.
The New York State Fair said it will be creating small, designated areas for smokers. Locations for the areas are still to be determined.
“Smoking always ranks high on the list of issues fairgoers want us to tackle and the issue was particularly acute this year,” said Fair director Troy Waffner. “We’re pleased to take this action to make the Fair as comfortable and family-friendly as possible for everyone.”
The new policy only covers the State Fair. Smoking policies for other events at the fairgrounds will remain the responsibility of individual event promoters.
“I applaud the New York State Fair for protecting the health of the community by taking steps to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke for all those working at and visiting the Fairgrounds,” said Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta.
“With smoking in Onondaga County and NYS at an all-time low, this is an important step to create an environment that not only protects our vulnerable but also supports those who have quit or are trying to quit, all while maintaining a family-friendly and fun event,” she added.
The 2022 Fair will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.
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