No Smoking Ordinance In Parks, Playgrounds Introduced In Edison

EDISON, NJ — The Council is considering a proposal to ban smoking in public places like parks and playgrounds. The ordinance was introduced during the March 23 meeting.

According to the ordinance, the public places include public parks, playgrounds, ball fields, parking areas, driveway or drive aisle, publicly owned or leased by the Township.

If the ordinance passes, any kind of tobacco or cannabis smoking will be prohibited including cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or vaping.

Anyone who violates the provision will be fined no less than $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense, according to the ordinance.

Any municipal employee found in violation will also be subject to discipline in accordance with Township policies and procedures.

A ‘No Smoking’ sign or the international no-smoking symbol will be clearly posted in all areas. The international symbol for no smoking consists of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a diagonal red line through its cross-section.

The sign will also indicate that those who violate the rule will be subject to a fine, according to the ordinance.

A public hearing and final vote on the ordinance are scheduled for April 13.

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