Advocates pressing case for broad ban on smoking

Publication Date: 2005-02-23

• Author:LILO H. STAINTON
• Publication:Asbury Park (NJ) Press

As cities and states bordering New Jersey approve smoking bans for businesses including bars and restaurants, anti-smoking advocates are rolling out a public campaign that paints the Garden State as the "ashtray of the Northeast."

With a new state health commissioner who strongly backs such a ban, less resistance from tobacco giant Philip Morris and wide support for restrictions on smoking elsewhere around the country, groups like the American Cancer Society believe it's high time for Trenton lawmakers to take action.

"I think it's time for the smoking ban to start moving, and I think New Jersey is behind the curve on this since we're surrounded by states that have instituted a statewide smoking ban," health commissioner Fred M. Jacobs said.