New Jersey lawmakers vote to ban smoking at beaches, parks

TRENTON, N.J. -- Lawmakers in New Jersey have sent a measure to Gov. Chris Christie's desk to ban smoking on public beaches and parks.

The state Assembly and Senate approved the measure on Thursday. Christie vetoed an attempt to ban smoking on beaches and parks in September 2014.

He said on his regular call-in radio show on 101.5 FM Wednesday night that he doesn't see why the decision to ban smoking shouldn't be left to towns across the state.

The ban would allow towns to set aside up to 15 percent of a beach for smoking. The ban also would not apply to parking lots adjacent to public parks or beaches.