Posted on 01/16/2006 8:22:46 PM PST by nickcarraway
Lighting up in the state's casinos will still be permitted under the new law, which requires indoor public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars, to be smoke-free. Cigar bars or lounges and tobacco retail establishments will also be exempt.
Violators will face penalties of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
The bill was approved by the state's Senate Dec. 15 and then by the Assembly by a 64-to-12 vote with two abstentions Jan. 9. The American Cancer Society and other health advocates have lauded the legislation, but some operators of restaurants and bars have expressed worries that the ban will harm their businesses.
Codey also signed legislation increasing the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 19. New Jersey became the fourth state, joining Alabama, Alaska, and Utah, to increase its tobacco-purchasing age to 19.
ping
I'm going to go have a cigarette.
More authoritarian statism. There is no property ownership in America.
Can't any business just call itself one of these?
If New Jersey pols would actually ban corruption, that would be helpful.
New Jersey's motto, we are kicking smokers out of our state but we will take smoke free illegal aliens and mobsters any day
New Jersey, another state to move away from
Well, this puts an end of my going to NJ. I think I'll spend my money down south or in Las Vegas. So long NJ.
Can't you just go outside if you want to smoke?
Tony Soprano will not be pleased.
More feel-good nanny government. If cigarettes are so dangerous that you can't be expected to be in the same room with them, then make them illegal. It's that simple. Which courageous politician wants to be first?
I don't even smoke, by the way. I never have and never will. But this is ridiculous.
That is OUTRIGHT un-constitutional. "18" means enlist, vote, and if you want - smoke.
Practically, I've always felt the drinking/smoking ages should be reversed anyway (18 to drink and 21 to smoke).
Banning corruption would mean that the whole assembly (and the governor) would have to go....not a bad idea!
but...but..but... I thought the whole point of these bans were for the health of the employees....will no one speak on the behalf the
casino workers....(dripping sarcasm)
Extreme sarcasm/off
All depends on what the local ordinance is for that area.
Even some of the towns, like Caldwell, doesn't allow smoking in front of your own house.
The law is ridiculous (and I am NOT a smoker) ...but really! No where but the casinos?????? This law is just waiting to be challenged in court. Why are casinos the ONLY place where it is allowed (I know..I know...the money, bribery, corruption) How do they do it with a straight face????
Good. PA next!!!!
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