New Law Will Ban Smoking In Car With Children Present

Erie County is looking to ban cigarette smoking in cars -- when children are present.

The proposed law was brought forth by Legislator Patrick Burke, who says the law is aimed at protecting children from second-hand smoke exposure.

"Children have no way of knowing the dangers of cigarette smoke and cannot be expected to protect their own health," said Burke, in an interview with WKBW-TV. "We already don't allow smoking in indoor public spaces because we know the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Legislator Burke states that penalties for breaking the new law are still under discussion, but added "We don't want this to be Draconian, so if someone doesn't realize what the health consequences are...or might not even know it's a law, we at least want a warning process in place. And then there will be a $150 fine for the first offense."

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