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Smokers have gotten used to taking it outside in recent years, but even that's going to get harder come Friday.

Mayor Martin Chavez announced today a ban on smoking on all city-owned property, including parks, golf courses, bus stops, Isotopes Park and Albuquerque International Sunport grounds.

Chavez, a former smoker, said the ban will help keep families away from secondhand smoke. It can also help people kick the habit, he said.

"Sometimes people need a little kicker like this to take the initiative to quit smoking," Chavez said at a news conference.

Chavez's executive order takes effect Friday, the same day as a statewide ban on smoking signed by Gov. Bill Richardson in March.

New Mexico becomes the 17th state to restrict smoking in public.

The bill prohibits smoking at restaurants, workplaces and bars.

Albuquerque has had its own smoking ban - the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance - since 2003. It prohibits smoking inside most workplaces, including restaurants.

"Many said the sky would fall" when the ordinance was passed, Chavez said today. "Well, the sky didn't fall."

Chavez said he expects the new ban to be enforced by Albuquerque residents, city workers and police officers. There are no fines or legal penalties, he said.

If the order needs more teeth, Chavez said, he will go to the City Council with legislation.