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NJ Bans Bar Smoking

Acting Governor of New Jersey Richard Codey signed a bill last Sunday that made smoking in bars, restaurants and many other public places illegal. The only exception is casino floors. New Jersey is one of a number of states that has passed or is just considering similar bans.

"Public health has won a major battle in Trenton," Codey said before signing the bill. "People will live longer lives because of this law. People who don`t smoke will be protected from a killer they never intended to meet. And we will remove the looming death cloud that hangs over the head of every New Jerseyan ? smoker or nonsmoker."

Smoking in government buildings was already illegal in the state. The new measure also restricts smoking in private office buildings. New Jersey joins 10 other states, such as New York and Delaware, that have already implemented smoking bans. The law officially takes effect on April 15, 2006.