New Brunswick, NJ Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

New Brunswick Municipal Code § 8.33.030 prohibits smoking in four kinds of places. First, any vehicle owned or leased, in part or entirely, by the City of New Brunswick. Second, any open space, park or recreation area, and service area, including a named list that runs from Buccleuch Park (321 Easton Avenue) through Elmer Boyd Park, which is also the dog park, Recreation Park, Monument Square Park (2 Livingston Avenue), War Memorial Park (1 Jersey Avenue), Memorial Stadium (801 Joyce Kilmer Avenue) and the New Brunswick Youth Sports Complex (419 Joyce Kilmer Avenue). The list is introduced with "to include, but not be limited to," so unnamed recreation areas are covered too. Third, any scheduled public event. Fourth, designated dining areas along George Street from Albany Street to Bayard Street, but only while George Street is closed under a city council ordinance authorizing the temporary closure.

The definitions in § 8.33.020 set the reach. "Recreation area" covers areas, public or private, open to the general public for recreational purposes regardless of any fee, including marinas, piers, boat docks, gardens, children's play areas, sports fields, stadiums, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts and senior center outdoor areas. "Scheduled public events" include farmers markets, concerts, parades, festivals, carnivals and car shows. "Smoking" includes possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or hookah, and inhaling or exhaling smoke or vapor from a smoking device, which includes e-cigarettes, vapes, Juul products and bongs.

Under § 8.33.050, a sign reading "100% Smoke Free Public Property" or substantially similar language must be posted conspicuously at every public area, park and recreation area where smoking is prohibited, in lettering not less than three-fourths (¾) inch in height, with the international no smoking symbol. Under § 8.33.040, the police department enforces the chapter, and all its members are designated enforcement officers. The chapter was adopted by Ord. No. O-122401 on 12-18-24, and the George Street and park list was amended by Ord. No. O-062506 on 6-18-25.