NJ Gov to Sign Public Smoking Ban

LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's governor plans to sign a bill banning most smoking at public beaches and parks.

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy will be in Long Branch Friday morning to sign a measure that was passed by the state Legislature last month.

Like previous versions of the bill that have failed, the bill doesn't specify who would be responsible for enforcing it: lifeguards, police or someone else.

The bill allows for designated smoking areas of 15 percent of a beach. Smokers also would be allowed to light up in parking lots.

Fines would start at $250 for a first offense and go up to $1,000 for a third offense.

(KA)