There will be no more smoking in the New York State Fair grandstand.

Fair Director Dan O'Hara says the new no-smoking rule is aimed at improving the state fair experience for visitors.

“We have heard from many fairgoers, especially families with young children, that smoking not be permitted in the grandstand and we agree,” he said in a press release. “While most tobacco users are considerate of others, we feel the best compromise will be to have designated smoking areas away from the seating area.”

The press release also included statements in support of the measure from a number of health officials and advocates, who praised the public health benefits of the move.

“The new smoke-free fairgrounds grandstand policy will result in substantial reductions in exposure to secondhand smoke that should result in reductions in heart disease and lung cancer and have a positive impact on the health of the Central New York community,” said Dr. Richard F. Daines, the state health commissioner.

By banning smoking, the state fair joins Darien Lake, Saratoga Performing Arts Center and other outdoor concert venues prohibiting or limiting the use of tobacco. The state fair grandstand has 16,000 seating capacity.

The fair said smoking has not been banned from any other outdoor venues at the complex.

Last year, tobacco sales were banned at the fairgrounds and smoking was limited to certain locations. Fair officials also adopted new rules last year prohibiting tobacco companies from sponsoring events at the fairgrounds.