Council to Introduce Ban on Smoking in Parks

The Ridgewood Village Council on Wednesday is expected to introduce an ordinance that if approved will prohibit tobacco use in parks. But don't expect police to be patrolling parks in search of smoke signals. 

There had been some discussion last week on extending a . Mayor Paul Aronsohn said Monday the resolution will just encompass parks.

Some council members have expressed skepticism that a smoking resolution would have any tangible impact.

"We have a tobacco ordinance on the books for underaged [teens] and I know for a fact it's not regulated," said Councilman Tom Riche, who supported the principle of banning smoking in parks. 

Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward said the 40-man force won't actively be enforcing a no-smoking policy in parks because of other departmental priorities and limited manpower.

"There will be some issues with us enforcing it to everybody's liking to say the least," he said. "Obviously we would try and do our best."

If an officer spots smoking in the park, he/she will act, Ward said.

The council meeting starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Village Hall.