New Law Bans Smoking Within 20 Feet of City Buildings

Smoking within 20 feet of the entrance of a city-owned building will no longer be allowed in the City of Hoboken. 

The ordinance was passed on Wednesday night in a 6-2 vote. First Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano and Fourth Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti voted no. Second Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason was absent on Wednesday. 

"I support this one 100 percent," said Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo. He added that this law will apply to all city buildings. "This isn't just about City Hall, it's about all buildings." 

The measure will apply to everyone, not just employees of the buildings. 

Castellano said she preferred to put a sign up rather than passing a law. "I just don't feel that legislating is a good thing," she said. 

Occhipinti also said that he didn't think a new law is necessary. He added that employees who smoke outside the doorway of the building, "maybe they should be asked politely" to step away. 

"It's not just employees, councilman," Russo told Occhipinti. "It's everyone."