Don't walk and smoke at the same time in NYC or you might get busted

Busted

New York City -- It's bad enough for people who can't walk and chew gum at the same time, now a New York City Councilman wants to make it illegal to walk and smoke cigarettes at the same time.

"My bill is very simple, no smoking and walking on New York City Sidewalks," says Queens Councilman Peter Koo (aka "Cuckoo Koo") from District 20.

Koo's bill would make it a misdemeanor to walk while smoking and probably punishable by a fine of $50. 

Smokers are already banned from smoking in public parks, restaurants, pay toilets, and in bed. Now they're being told they can't go for a stroll and light up.

The city is planning to create smoking "circles" that have a diameter of no more than 3 feet. In time, the city is hoping to reduce the size of even that area to what will be determined, and will likely be called a smoking "dot."

"I'm not standing in one spot, it's not going to happen," said Ian, a puffer from Flushing. "As I'm walking, it's outside, I'm not blowing it in anyone's faces."

Hopefully, the new law will increase the size of the police force within the city as a "Smoking Patrol" will be needed to monitor the situation. Otherwise, to enforce this law, there would be a great drain on police resources.

Smoking on a "dot" would be allowed but if the smoker moves more than six inches while puffing, the fine will be enforceable if the bill is passed. And if the bill should be signed into law, New Yorkers will deserve having elected Comrade Bill de Blasio mayor. 

Koo was asked if he believed a ban on walking and smoking infringes on civil liberties, he said he didn't care. 

"This bill is not against smoking, just don't do both together," he said.

He plans to introduce the bill today, Wednesday.

Koo is likely not a smoker nor a person who cares about individual freedoms.


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