There's only so far you can subtly nudge someone out of their habits before they catch on and fight back. For the past few years the city has systematically scrubbed smokers out of bars, restaurants, beaches and parks, all while offering them free nicotine patches and gum to make the transition easier. But this year New York's smokers aren't taking it! Sort of.
According to the city Health Department, just 39,000 people signed up for the free nicotine gum giveaway this year, which is 1,000 fewer than last year. Which could just mean there are fewer smokers in the city to take part in the program. The program was most popular in Queens and Brooklyn, though Staten Island has the highest concentration of smokers. Perhaps some of the city's smokers had moved on to e-cigs. They're Katherine Heigl-approved!
