New York City's efforts to curb tobacco use have slowed since Mayor Bill de Blasio took over for Michael Bloomberg, reports The New York Times.
Here are three things to know.
1. Former Mayor Bloomberg was known for pushing health initiatives to curb smoking and change eating habits, but anti-tobacco advocates contend there are a series of potential initiatives, some of them already taken in other cities, that could extend New York City's efforts to curb tobacco use, according to the report. The report lists a number of these potential initiatives, such as limiting the number of stores where cigarettes are sold and raising taxes on small cigars and other less expensive types of tobacco, among other things.
2. Last March, the City Council passed a bill that would ban the use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, according to the report. The bill was signed into law by Mayor de Blasio, who promised further action, but the promised measures have not come to fruition, reports The New York Times.
3. In a written statement provided to The New York Times, spokesperson Maibe Ponet said "addressing smoking and obesity are top priorities for the health department," and noted the city's campaign to publicize programs to help people quit smoking. According to the report, she also said the health department was close to announcing new "tobacco reduction efforts."
For more on this story, read William Neuman's full report in The New York Times.
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