Christie Vetoes Bill That Would Ban Smoking On Beaches

Want to light up on the beach? Chris Christie believes in banning smoking at state parks and beaches, but wouldn't sign a bill to require towns to join the ban.

Christie vetoed a measure that would ban cigarette, cigar, pipe, and electronic device smoking in any state park or forest, county or municipal park, or state or municipal beach.

The bill, passed by the state Senate in May, said:

The prohibition of smoking at public parks and beaches would better preserve the natural assets of this state by reducing litter and increasing fire safety in those areas, while lessening exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke among the public."

Anyone continuing to smoke after receiving being told to stop will 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.

Many Jersey beachtowns already prohibit smoking on beaches, including Belmar, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Harvey Cedars, Long Branch, and Lavallette.