According to the guidelines handed out to park police, people caught flouting the new ban on smoking in parks should not be ticketed right away. An officer should first ask the person if they’re aware that they’re no longer allowed to smoke in the park. If they stub their butt at that point, then all is forgiven. Only after hearing this warning and refusing to cease smoking anyway will violators be handed a $50 summons. So there is very little risk involved in lighting up in a park unless you choose to be a martyr. [NYP]
