The borough of Allendale, N.J. has given its nearly 6,700 residents a clear message: we don’t want you smoking or using tobacco products in this community. Ordinance 15-10, which the borough has yet to post on its website, was introduced at the borough council meeting on March 26 and brought to a second reading on April 9. It prohibits the use of all forms of tobacco as well as electronic cigarettes throughout the borough except in just a handful of designated places such as public parking lots, sidewalks and public streets. There is also consideration of areas next to municipal buildings that borough staff could use to smoke. Those who are caught smoking outside those areas could be cited and fined $100 for a first offense, a number that escalates to $500 for a third offense. Violators could also receive mandatory community service as part of their punishment, according to a report on NorthJersey.com. Parks, recreation areas and municipal facilities are part of the ban, as well as an increased ban around facilities owned or leased by the Board of Education. Allendale is located about 30 miles north of Newark.
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