Bill Bans Smoking in Jersey Parks

The Star-Ledger reports from New Jersey: “The state Legislature today approved a bill that would ban people from smoking in county and municipal parks but allow towns and counties to create a smoking section on their beaches.” The smoking sections would be limited to 15 percent of beaches.

The bill has cleared both houses and goes to Gov. Chris Christie now. It is supported by the Sierra Club and Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy.

“This bill will not only help us all breathe easier and protect our health, but it will also help to protect parks from damages and fires from careless smokers,” said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We are concerned that even though they banned smoking at parks and state beaches the bill still allows a 15 percent set aside for smoking at local and municipal beaches. This 15 percent is a loophole you can throw an ashtray through.”