The state Assembly today passed a bill (A1080) to ban smoking at all public parks and beaches by a vote of 67-7 with 4 abstentions. Smokers would face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.
Anti-smoking advocates said the ban would “generate health, environmental an economic benefits.”
“It normalizes smoke free outdoor environments where children engage in recreational activities, reducing the likelihood they’ll start smoking,” said Karen Blumenfeld, executive director of Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy, in a statement.
The state already bans smoking in indoor public places. The bill would apply to all parks and beaches run by the state, counties or towns.
