Back in January, the Corner’s Andrew Stuttaford reported on the dramatic consequences of smoking bans in bars and workplaces in the U.K. He noted that the consequences weren’t as bad in New York City, but still hoped that the city would relax its rules.

The effect on the bar trade in New York City (and elsewhere in the United States) has, I believe, been not so dramatic, probably reflecting the fact that many of the anti-smoking fatwas were introduced at a time of economic strength, a time that’s now firmly behind us. It’ll be interesting to see if that prompts politicians (who also have a responsibility not to damage the economic health of the communities they represent) to relax laws that are not only an affront to freedom, but an assault on small business.

Not a chance. Instead of relaxing the rules, New York City makes another move. And it’s a stunning one. According to the New York Post:

Health Commissioner Thomas Farley announced yesterday he wants to ban smoking in public parks and city beaches as part of a plan to make New Yorkers healthier.
“We don’t think children, parents, when they’re standing at soccer games, should have to be breathing in smoke from the person next to them,” Farley said after unveiling the city’s 10-point plan alongside Mayor Bloomberg.
We don’t think our children should have to be watching someone smoke.”

More here. And here is a must-read Stuttaford piece.