Belmar bans smoking on all beaches and boardwalk

The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee Monday approved a bill banning smoking in parks and on beaches, but permits communities to reserve 15 percent of the property for a smoking section. In this 2014 photo, several signs and a cigarette disposal system greet beachgoers at each ramp in Belmar after the central Monmouth County beach community banned smoking on all its beaches and boardwalk. Andrew Mills |The Star-Ledger)

TRENTON -- Smokers would be banned from lighting up in state, county, and local parks and beaches in New Jersey under a bill approved by a state Senate committee Monday.

Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a similar bill in the last legislative session, even though it had won bipartisan support. The Republican governor said state lawmakers were overstepping their bounds by proposing legislation that should come at a local level.

This time, the bill exempts golf courses and permits local and county officials to set aside 15 percent of a park or beach as a smoking section if they so choose.

"That is fair enough, considering we only have 15 percent (of New Jersey residents) or so who are continuing this unhealthy habit," state Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) said, who sponsored the bill.

State Sen. Robert Gordon (D-Bergen) said he was pleased the bill made exceptions to an all-out ban.

"I've never had a cigarette in my life," but he does occasionally enjoy a cigar in leisure time. "It's important to have 15 percent," Gordon said.

"This legislation will not only help us all breathe easier but it will also help to protect parks and beaches from damages and fires caused by careless smokers," said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, who testified for the bill. "We believe banning smoking in public parks and beaches is an important step forward for the environment and our health."

The bill (S1734) passed the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee by an 8-0 vote, and heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.