No Smoking Zones in Albany, Smoking Areas

Public housing properties in Albany are about to become no smoking zones. Residents will no longer be allowed to light up in their own homes. The Albany Housing Authority approved a smoking ban Tuesday evening that will go into effect January 1st. Authority officials say the ban will promote healthier living and accommodate future tenants who may be sensitive to cigarette smoke. There will be designated smoking areas. Some residents don't like the plan, but others say it's not such a big deal. "I understand why they want to try to prohibit it, to try to stop people from smoking at all, but you make the ordinances against them and all people are going to do is violate them," said resident James Jackson. "They (smokers) are going to do it anyway. I feel like it's a waste of time because you can't stop a smoker from smoking. That's all they know," said resident Jay Cole. Violators will receive a series of warnings, but repeat offenders could have their leases terminated.