MIDDLESEX (WPIX)—
A new bill could prohibit New Jersey smokers from lighting up both indoors and in some outdoor locations.The proposed bill would ban individuals from smoking at beaches and public parks and, if it passes, the law could go into effect by the end of the year.
Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), who is proposing the new piece of legislation, says non-smokers should not put their own health at risk by subjected to second- hand smoke when they are outdoors.
She cited studies that found a child with a smoker parent can experience significant second-hand smoke. As well, a Stanford University study found that short-term outdoor exposure to second-hand smoke can put people who are at risk of or have heart disease in a "life-threatening" situation.
"Parks and beaches are places that people go to with children in order to breathe the fresh air and exercise. [Smokers] don't have the right to impose these health risks on the non-smoking public," Buono said in a press conference.
Some New Jersey cities already ban smoking in public outdoor places.
Belmar, which is located on the Jersey shore, already bans smoking on their boardwalks and beaches. Smokers are provided with courtesy smoking areas and violators face a $25 fine.
Similarly, Bradley Beach also band smoking on its beaches.
Buono plans on introducing her bill when the New Jersey legislature is in session, possibly in November.
In April 2006, smoking a cigar, pipe or cigarette indoors was officially banned in New Jersey.
