Metro

State launches new campaign against smoking

New York City has some of the strictest smoking laws in the nation — but Gov. Cuomo says it can be made even tougher.

The governor has allocated $9.4 million so health advocates and community groups in the Big Apple and other municipalities can launch new campaigns to limit tobacco use.

“We have made a lot of progress in making our state healthier by reducing smoking, but there is more we can do to make New York smoke-free,” Cuomo said in a statement.

The campaign is aimed at curbing the number of stores that sell smokes, stopping tobacco marketing to kids, persuading apartment buildings to ban smoking, and prodding cities to approve smoke-free outdoor-air policies.

The film industry would be asked to exclude smoking scenes from teen-oriented movies, and teens would be recruited to assist in the renewed anti-tobacco drive.

Under then-Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the city approved sweeping laws banning smoking indoors as well as at outdoor public places, such as parks. The legal smoking age was also raised from 18 to 21.

State health officials insist there’s more to be done.

“The need for policy actions . . . remains high in all areas of the state, including New York City,” the state Health Department said in a request for proposals sent to community groups.