City of New Brunswick, NJ

12/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/26/2024 09:40

New Brunswick Bans Smoking in Public Parks



NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (December 26, 2024) - The City is taking another step towards promoting public health by passing a ban on smoking in municipal parks and some other public places.

This ordinance, adopted by the City Council Wednesday, Dec. 18, aims to safeguard New Brunswick residents and visitors from the health risks of secondhand smoke. It prioritizes public health by discouraging smoking around non-smokers, shielding children from exposure, and preventing involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke, according to the ordinance.

The ban prohibits the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, other tobacco products, and other substances, including cannabis, marijuana and hashish, including electronic smoking devices, in any open space, park or recreation area.

The parks listed include, but are not limited to:

  • Buccleuch Park, 321 Easton Ave.
  • Alice Jennings Archibald Park, (23 Van Dyke Ave.
  • Elmer Boyd Park, Route 18 northbound and Paul Robeson Blvd.
  • Recreation Park, 7 Pine St.
  • Feaster Park, 175 Paul Robeson Blvd.
  • Baker Park, Remsen Avenue and Ellen Street
  • Joyce Kilmer Park, 143 Joyce Kilmer Ave.
  • Kossuth Park, 76 Harvey Str.
  • Monument Square Park, 2 Livingston Ave.
  • Murphy Park, 131 Tunison Road
  • Pittman Park, 101 Handy St.
  • Quentin Avenue Park, Quentin Avenue and Langley Place
  • Simplex Avenue Park, 1 Simplex Ave.
  • War Memorial Park, 1 Jersey Ave.
  • Welton Street Park, 137 Welton St.
  • Memorial Stadium, 801 Joyce Kilmer Ave.
  • New Brunswick Youth Sports Complex, 419 Joyce Kilmer Ave.
Smoking is also prohibited at any scheduled public event, such as farmers markets, parades, concerts and festivals.

Smokers will receive a fine of $250-$500 for the first offense, $500-$1,000 for the second and each subsequent offense. The smoking regulations will be enforced by police.