Springfield Expands Smoking Ban In Public Housing

The Springfield Housing Authority is expanding its ban on smoking to areas outside its properties, one year after the agency ordered residents and visitors to stop smoking inside its buildings.

Massachusetts' third largest housing authority says the full smoking ban is effective Saturday.

Executive Director William Abrashkin says the public housing authority wants to make its properties healthy places to live and work. He says the agency also wants to provide the foundation for a cultural change in which people will be more aware of health issues.

He says the ban introduced last year to end smoking in residential apartments, common rooms, hallway, together with business offices and business area has been largely successful. He says he expects the expanded ban will also be successful.