Cape May City Council votes in favor of beach smoking ban

Beaches and other popular areas in Cape May could soon be off-limits to smokers. City Council voted last night in favor of an ordinance to ban smoking on beaches and the Promenade, Rotary Park, Sunset Pavilion at Third Avenue, Kiwanis Park, Wise-Anderson Park, Harborview Park and the city’s dog park off Lafayette Street.

The non-smoking council members voted 5-0 when the ordinance was introduced, the Press of Atlantic City reports, and will hold a public hearing and final vote Nov. 14.

This new ordinance is tougher than the original idea, which only included smoke-free beaches. Penalties range from $100 to $1,250, community service and jail time.

Philadelphia right now is gauging public opinion on smoking regulations, some which include bans in public areas like parks.