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Long Branch, NJ Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

First offense fine: $100
Second offense fine: $200
Third offense fine: $300
Covers: Cigarettes, cigars, vapes, chewing tobacco
Where banned: Beach, boardwalk, promenade, at any time

Summary

Long Branch bans smoking and vaping of any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco, anywhere on the beach, boardwalk or promenade at any time. Fines escalate from $100 for a first offense up to $300 for a third.

No person shall smoke any cigarettes, cigars or other tobacco products including electronic or vapor cigarettes and chewing of tobacco on the beach, boardwalk, promenade or any beach area covered by this chapter at any time. ... The penalty for violation of Subsection Z(1) shall be a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for the third offense.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904719; v48 updated 2026-06-10; through 06-10-2026).

Full Breakdown

City of Long Branch Code § 116-5Z, added by Ordinance No. 13-03 in 2003 and last amended by Ordinance No. 14-17 in 2017, is part of the city's general beach and boardwalk rules and regulations in Chapter 116, Beaches. " There is no time-of-day carve-out and no designated smoking area on the beachfront; the prohibition runs around the clock and applies whether or not lifeguards are on duty or the beach is officially open for swimming. The rule sits alongside a long list of other beachfront conduct rules in § 116-5, including bans on alcohol, glass containers, digging holes deeper than 12 inches, and unauthorized tents or canopies, all enforced together as part of the same beach management scheme covering the Long Branch oceanfront. The Council retains authority under § 116-5V to adopt further beachfront rules so long as they don't conflict with the chapter.

Violations & Fines

Section 116-5Z(2) sets a dedicated, escalating fine schedule specific to this offense: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third offense. Separately, § 116-7 lets the City Council cancel any beach badge, insignia or check held by a person who violates any provision of the beach chapter, on top of the monetary fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vape on the Long Branch boardwalk?

No. City Code § 116-5Z specifically includes electronic and vapor cigarettes in its beach and boardwalk smoking ban, alongside cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco, with no time-of-day exception.

What is the fine for smoking on the Long Branch beach?

The fine starts at $100 for a first offense, rises to $200 for a second offense, and reaches $300 for a third offense under § 116-5Z(2).

Does the Long Branch smoking ban only apply during beach hours?

No, the ordinance text bars smoking on the beach, boardwalk or promenade 'at any time,' so the prohibition is not limited to when lifeguards are on duty or badges are required.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Long Branch Code, Ch. 116 Beaches, § 116-5

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