Final Vote for Belleville Smoking Ban Pushed Back to June 9

The final vote on Belleville’s smoking ordinance will have to wait.

The pending ordinance – which would prohibit smoking on public and municipally owned property in Belleville – was due to be approved on final passage during the Municipal Council’s Tuesday meeting.

Due to a meeting cancellation, the final hearing for the potential new town law will take place at the council’s June 9 session in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 152 Washington Ave.

According to the text of the draft ordinance, the law would make it illegal to:

• Smoke a pipe, cigar, cigarette or e-vape device inside any municipally owned building, or within 35 feet of any exit or entrance
• Smoke in any Belleville public park or recreation facility, including all areas adjacent to such facilities, including but not limited to any parking area, driveway or drive aisle
• Smoke in any vehicle registered to the Township of Belleville

Enforcement would be the responsibility of the Police Department, Fire Department, Recreation Department, Public Works Department and the Health Department.

“Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense,” the ordinance states.

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