Legislator wants to ban smoking on beach

    By: Phil Gregory

    No-smoking signs will go up in public parks and beaches if one New Jersey legislator gets her way.

    By: Phil Gregory
    philgregorynews@gmail.com

    No-smoking signs will go up in public parks and beaches if one New Jersey legislator gets her way.

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    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.

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