Lawmakers in New Jersey this week voted to ban smoking on the Jersey Shore.
The bill would secure that violators pay a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
"New Jersey's beaches are used and enjoyed by millions of people as a prime attraction of the state's tourism industry," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney who sponsored the bill with Sen. Vin Gopal. "Beachgoers should not be assaulted by second-hand cigarette smoke and the sand and water should not be littered with cigarette butts."
About 18 shore communities have already banned smoking on the beach including Ocean City, Long Beach Township, Cape May Point and Longport.
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee approved the bill by a 5-0 vote
on Thursday. But if the bill is eventually signed into law, the legislation
would take effect after six months.