ONONDAGA COUNTY (NEWS10) — The Great New York State Fair will ban smoking on nearly the entire fairgrounds for 2022. Officials say the new policy will only cover the Fair, but smoking policies for non-fair events at the fairgrounds will remain the responsibility of individual promoters in accordance with state law.

Officials say smoking will still be allowed in small, specially-designated outdoor areas. Smoking is already prohibited by law inside Fairgrounds’ buildings and by policy at the Fair’s Chevy Court and Chevy Park concert venues. The locations where new spots for smokers will be created are still undetermined, they say.

Officials said the decision is aimed at making the fair as comfortable and family-friendly as possible for everyone. Fair director Troy Waffner said, “Smoking always ranks high on the list of issues fairgoers want us to tackle and the issue was particularly acute this year. We’re pleased to take this action to make the Fair as comfortable and family-friendly as possible for everyone.”

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment. The 2022 Fair is scheduled to run from Wednesday, Aug. 24 through Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.