Vineland, N.J. Bans Smoking on Public Property (Update)

Smoking in public parks in Vineland, N.J. could be illegal before the end of next month. The Vineland City Council voted unanimously to ban smoking on all public property. A final reading is planned for next Tuesday and the law will go into effect 20 days after Mayor Ruben Bermudez signs it. Under the new law, fines will range from $50-100 for the first offense, $100-200 for the second and a third offense will carry a fine between $200 and $500. Update (March 1, 2014)–The City Council unanimously passed the ban at their February 25, 2014 meeting after its second reading. The ordinance now heads to the mayor’s desk and will take effect 20 days after he signs it.