Council members in Cherry Hill passed an ordinance that bans smoking on township property Monday.
CHERRY HILL, N.J. -
Council members in Cherry Hill, New Jersey passed an ordinance Monday night that bans smoking and the use of tobacco products at all public buildings and grounds in the township.
FOX 29's Dave Kinchen reports the ordinance was unanimously approved during a Monday night council meeting.
The ban includes all Cherry Hill parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities as well as all township trails and open spaces. Township owned buildings are also included in the ban.
In a statement issued Monday night after the vote, township officials say the ordinance formally takes effect in mid-December, followed by a 30-day public education period.
Full enforcement is scheduled to begin in January.
The township says those in violation of the smoking ban could face fines of up to $150 for a first offense, up to $300 for a second offense and as much as $500 for a subsequent offenses.
The measure, which was proposed by Mayor Chuck Cahn earlier this month, is expected to help promote public health and wellness.
"Simply put, our residents deserve to breathe clean air," Cahn said in a statement.
"At the end of the day, this change will protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and allow the people of Cherry Hill to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces without being subjected to a major health hazard."
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Council members in Cherry Hill passed an ordinance that bans smoking on township property Monday.
