Smoking banned in Cherry Hill's publicly owned areas

Cherry Hill Council has passed an ordinance banning smoking at parks, playgrounds and other public facilities.

The new law was unanimously approved Monday night.

Starting in January, smoking will be illegal on any public property, including the Town Hall, Public Library, Department of Public Work, township-owned trails and at any of Cherry Hill's 52 parks and playgrounds.

The change takes effect in mid-December, followed by a 30-day education period. Full enforcement will begin in January. Violators will be subject to fines of up to $150 for a first offense, up to $300 for a second offense and as much as $500 for subsequent offenses.