Closter moves forward on proposed smoking ban in public parks

The Mayor and Council have introduced a proposal to ban smoking in public parks. The proposed new regulation was voted on at Monday night’s meeting, and a public hearing and final vote will be held on the no smoking law at next month’s meeting. Two residents spoke out against the law, asserting that it limits their freedom. But Mayor Sophie Heymann said she expects the council will adopt the ordinance.

 Councilman Arthur Dolson, who brought the idea to the council’s attention and is a representative of the Board of Health, suffers from emphysema that he believes he caught from second-hand smoke. “There is no known cure,” he said. If adopted, the no-smoking rule would be added to the section of an existing code that deals with other prohibited activities, such as the consumption of alcohol at parks, said Dolson.

 “Of course we don’t want people blowing smoke on the people next to them,” he said. “We also want them to be a good example for the children. “We’re protecting the public and the environment,” said Dolson. Signs informing residents of the law would be posted on fences around playgrounds and ball fields, he said. The borough has already been offered free signs by state foundations that support such an initiative, he added. The law is not a new initiative, said Dolson, adding that nearly 100 communities in New Jersey have similar laws. It is unclear as of yet how violators of the law in Closter would be punished. But many towns with similar ordinances impose fines.