Smoking on boardwalks, beaches, pedestrian plazas, parks and other public areas in New York City will be prohibited starting from the 23rd of May regardless of complaints about government’s interference in the private lives of people.

The legislation was signed on Tuesday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg following the city council’s vote 36 against 12 in approval of the smoking limitations that occurred earlier February. The new law widens the existing smoking ban currently in effect for the city bars and restaurants.

According to Bloomberg, American journalist Frederick Olmsted once said that public parks should be considered as the lungs of the city. It should be a place where individuals can evade noisy, polluted and overcrowded streets. Thus, it is important that public spaces are healthy places for people to unwind and enjoy the environment.

New York is joining San Francisco and Chicago to fight second-hand smoking in public places. Police officers will not implement the band. Instead, NYC’s parks department will be enforcing it by giving a warning prior to handing over a fine worth $50.

Other than the fight against smoking, Bloomberg also encouraged other healthy measures which include prohibiting trans-fats in chain restaurants. He also wants food restaurants to show calorie counts on their menus.

Bloomberg campaigns for food companies all over the country to lessen the amount of salt in their food products. He also asks for the government to restrict people using food stamps from buying sugary drinks.

Meanwhile, residents of New York can only smoke on parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and within their homes. However, most landlords do not permit smoking inside their apartments.