NYCHA smoking ban goes into effect

A smoking ban at NYCHA buildings took effect Monday morning.
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development previously called for a nationwide smoke-free policy in public housing.
The policy prevents any smoking inside housing units, administrative offices and outdoor areas within 25 feet of public housing buildings.
It applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes and hookahs.
NYCHA will also provide support to residents and employees who want to quit smoking.
The ban does not carry any fines, but authorities say that repeat violators will be punished.
NYCHA says the new policy benefits children and seniors by cutting back on secondhand smoke.