Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death in the United States. Tobacco smoke is a substantial health hazard and a nuisance to nonsmoking Somerville residents. The right of nonsmokers to breathe clean air outweighs the right of smokers to smoke in designated public areas.
No smoking spaces
As a reminder, smoking is not allowed in these areas.
- Borough buildings and municipal grounds, including within 50 feet of the main entrance
- Parks and playgrounds
- Publicly owned lands
- Swimming areas
- Recreation areas
- Division Street, between West Main Street and South Street, during events sponsored by the Downtown Somerville Alliance or the Borough of Somerville
About the law
This prohibition is consistent with N.J.S.A. 40:48-1, 40:48-2 and 2C:33-13, which provide that smoking may be prohibited by municipal ordinance in any public place. For more information, please see Chapter 145 of the municipal code.
Penalty
The fine for smoking in public spaces is $150.