It's now officially illegal to light up on the boardwalk in Wildwood and North Wildwood.
The cities passed the law last year and it took effect on New Year's Day. The potential fines for smoking on the boardwalk in North Wildwood is $250. In Wildwood, it's up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail.
Smoking is prohibited on the boardwalk and its approaches as well as on the beach within 10 feet of the boardwalk, the ordinance states.
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City commissioners in Wildwood passed the law May 24. The North Wildwood city council followed suit on June 7.
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello noted at the time that "dozens" of small fires have broken out in trash cans every year from discarded cigarette butts.
Passed anonymously in both towns, the law is also intended to make the air cleaner on the boardwalk.
Smoking is already banned at Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks on the Wildwood boardwalk.
Other towns where smoking on the beach is banned include Beach Haven, Belmar, Cape May Point, Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Township, Long Branch, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, Spring Lake and Ocean City.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.