A bill that will make nearly every square inch of parks and beaches in the state of New Jersey smoke-free got the needed signature of Gov. Phil Murphy, as he signed S2534 into law at a ceremony on Friday.
“The Jersey Shore has always been one of our state’s – and nation’s – great natural treasures, and a place for families to enjoy,” said Murphy. “Signing this legislation demonstrates my firm commitment to protecting our environment and public health while preserving the quality and cleanliness of our public beaches and park areas.”
There is one notable provision in the law, however, and that is who will be enforcing it. While the bill spell out penalties for violators, which start at $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense, it does not specify who is to enforce the ban, meaning it could be local police, park department officials, or in some possible cases, no one.
The bill does include a provision that up to 15 percent of the total area of a beach, which would be designated by the municipality or county by ordinance or resolution, can be designated as a smoking area. The ban does not apply to any parking lot that is adjacent to, but outside of, a public beach or park, or to golf courses.
The ban passed the Senate by a 34-1 vote, while the Assembly approved it by a 66-1-2 vote, however some amendments required it go back to the Senate, where it passed with a 32-1 vote in early June.
The ban goes into effect in 180 days.
Featured image by Tomwsulcer [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons