Belmar bans smoking on beach, boardwalk

BELMAR, N.J. (AP) - Belmar is the latest Jersey shore town to ban smoking on its beaches and boardwalk.

The year-round ban will take effect on Memorial Day weekend.

The town had previously allowed smoking in designated areas.

Mayor Matt Doherty tells the Asbury Park Press (https://on.app.com/SCZ5Xb ) that didn’t work because smokers would leave cigarette butts behind in the sand and the breeze would carry the smoke to others.

Violators will face a $25 fine.

The ban does not include electric cigarettes.

A bill that would ban smoking on all public beaches and parks in the state has cleared the Assembly and awaits a vote in the state Senate.

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Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, https://www.app.com