Officials have voted to ban smoking on the Wildwood boardwalk next year.
The ban would officially take effect on Jan. 1, but officials plan to ask people to refrain from smoking this year. It applies to the stairs and ramps leading up to the boardwalk in addition to the boardwalk itself.
Mayor Ernie Troiano tells The Press of Atlantic City the boardwalk is susceptible to fires. Officials also raised concerns about secondhand smoke. Smokers could face penalties for violating the ban, but The Press of Atlantic City reports any punishment is not expected to be severe. It's not clear if there would be a fine.
Ocean City banned smoking on its boardwalk three years ago.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
