Officials mull ban on sidewalk smoking

State law enables township to create smoke-free zones

By:Donna Lukiw
   As the 1970s song goes, "Everybody knows that smoking ain’t allowed in school" — and if a plan by school and township officials is approved, there won’t be any smoking near the school either.
   After discussing concerns about students smoking on sidewalks in front of Hillsborough High School at last month’s meeting, board member Steve Sloan said the township would consider enacting a ban on smoking on sidewalks.
   "I think it’s an important issue," Mr. Sloan said during Monday’s Board of Education meeting. "The sidewalks have become a smoking lounge."
   Mr. Sloan said according to the New Jersey Smoke Free Act, local towns are allowed to pass their own smoking ordinances.
   "(Township Administrator) Kevin Davis said the township is in favor of this and they want to hear from us (Board of Education)," Mr. Sloan told the board members.
   He said if the township decides to go forward with forming an ordinance against smoking on the sidewalks that border the high school, there would be a fine in place for anyone caught smoking in the no-smoking zones.
   Mr. Sloan said the ordinance would only be implemented for the sidewalks near the high school not across the street from the school.
   "You get a warning the first time you are in violation," Mr. Sloan said.
   He said, for example, a fine would be $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for the third offense.
   "There are a number of students smoking on our sidewalks," Superintendent Karen Lake said during the meeting. "It’s not just the citations, it’s the health issue with our kids."
   Board member Neil Hudes suggested to also have a no-smoking ordinance at the middle school while board member Dave Kanaby suggested it for all schools.
   "If you have something for one school, you should have something for all schools," Mr. Kanaby said.
   Dr. Lake said school administrators and board members still have to discuss the issue with the Township Committee and the school resource officers, the staff members likely to help enforce any bans.