Smoking To Be Banned Throughout New York's Shea Stadium

New York City, NY (AHN) - The entire Shea Stadium in New York will prohibit smoking, the Mets announced on Wednesday. The city had actually passed a law in 1995 prohibiting indoor smoking, but baseball fans managed to sneak a light on its interior exit ramps.

Following the growing number of non-smoking fans who have complained of the air pollution, the team finally declared all areas as a non-smoking zone. A survey indicated sport fans want a smoke-free Shea.

The team's spokesman said, "We just think it will make a more pleasant environment for all of our fans."

Those who cannot control the urge to smoke are permitted to do so at a designated outdoor area near Gate C. Fans must hold on to their ticket stub to be able to reenter the stadium.

This is the last year the Mets will play at the 44-year old stadium, but when it moves next year to Citi Field, the smoking ban stays.

It is not only the Mets, but also City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who has taken the offensive against nicotine. Last month Bloomberg promised to support legislation that would prohibit smoking in cars with children on board.

New York City recently picked the tab for a World Health Organization study that looked into the habits and control measures in 179 nations. The study, the most comprehensive in its scope, costs $2 million.