Recognizing the well-known health and safety risks posed by smoking and the consumption of smokeless tobacco products, the Pennington Borough Council approved an ordinance, in September, prohibiting smoking and the consumption of smokeless tobacco products on public property, such as Kunkel and Sked Street parks and within a 35 foot radius of the front entrance to all municipal buildings. The ordinance will be effective immediately and signs will be posted.
In 2009, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District prohibited smoking on school grounds and on municipal facilities when in use by the school district. Mayor Persichilli raised the issue with the Borough council after discussion of the health concerns of smoking, second hand smoke and e-cigarettes with members of the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance last spring.
The ordinance does not prohibit smoking in non-public areas or in the rear yard areas of public buildings.
