Legislator wants to ban smoking on beach
Monday, September 28th, 2009
By: Fit Staff
mcampbell@whyy.org
By: Phil Gregory
email hidden; JavaScript is required
No-smoking signs will go up in public parks and beaches if one New Jersey legislator gets her way.
Listen:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Barbara Buono says she'll introduce the legislation when lawmakers return to the State House after the November election. She cites health risks of second hand smoke, saying she has experienced problems first hand as an avid runner
Buono: It's always been a pet peeve of mine when I'm running in parks and I'll come upon someone unexpectedly who is smoking a cigar and have to breathe in some air that you're not expecting and I've had several coughing fits.
The New Jersey Sierra Club is supporting the proposed ban, saying cigarette smokers leave a lot of litter in parks and beaches. Buono says she anticipates plenty of opposition but is prepared to defend her proposed ban during public debate.