It's news day on Puff.com. Up next we have news on a possible ban that could affect smokers in the Big Apple, some discontinued cigars by a major distributor, a new book available for cigar lovers, and a family that is taking back control over their operations.

Possible bans in NYC?

As if it was not bad enough for smokers that the state of New York is about to see an increased tax rate on cigars from 46 percent to 75 percent, the possibility of some bans in NYC is also present. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is apparently in favor of smoking bans that would cover public parks and beaches in the area.

Bloomberg's recent vocal support of such a ban comes as a bit of a shock. About a month ago, Stu Loeser, the mayor's press secretary, claimed that an outdoor smoking ban was not a current priority of the administration. If his change of tune is true, the ban would affect seven beaches in the New York City area, as well as over 1,700 parks and other public areas used for recreational purposes.

Dr. Thomas A. Farley, Bloomberg's health commissioner, originally proposed the ban to the mayor during the spring of 2009. The ban was just one part of a plan formally called “Take Care New York 2012.” The plan was created to fight the tobacco industry, and it urged the state to raise taxes on tobacco products, and others to not accept funding from any businesses or organizations with ties to the tobacco industry. While the plan and its proponents certainly got their wish with the latest tax hikes, whether the smoking ban on public parks and beaches remains to be seen.

Although it is purely speculation at this point, Bloomberg's latest remarks would make one believe that the ban will become a reality in the future. He stated that those who enjoy public recreational areas have expressed a disdain for smoking in those areas. Of course, if this ban does become official, one would have to wonder how it will be enforced. Signs will have to be made, man hours for officers and workers will have to be accounted for, and more. Where will the the extra funding needed to police such a ban come from? By making higher taxes on tobacco, once again? Please, say it ain't so....