County Considers New Smoking Ban

Cranford smokers might have to avoid lighting up at Nomahegan Park and other county-owned areas and events if freeholders decide to amend the current smoking policy on June 10.

Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is considering altering non-smoking policies to include all county owned recreational areas and facilities. The policy in place now, adopted in 1993, covers county buildings and structures.

The amended policy would prohibit smoking at boating facilities, ice-skating facilities, playgrounds, running tracks, all snack bars, swimming pools, ball fields, tennis courts, Watchung Stables and restrooms which support county-owned recreational areas and facilities.

"If passed, this new policy will help protect the health of our residents and visitors while shielding them from second hand smoke in our parks and facilities," said Freeholder Chairman Daniel Sullivan.

The county may also prohibit smoking at county-sponsored events, including concerts, fairs, festivals, movies and other such events at the discretion of the county manager. Appropriate signage would be created and displayed at all such events.

Members of the public who violate this policy would first be ordered to comply. Continued violation of the police would result in a fine of not less than $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

A public hearing and final reading for the ordinance is scheduled for June 10.