Boardwalk smoking ban official for 2018

Smoking will officially be banned on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, effective January 1, 2018.

Last night, North Wildwood City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance banning smoking on the town's 10-block stretch of boards (16th to 26th Avenues).

Wildwood leaders approved a similar measure last month, covering the majority of the famous promenade from Juniper Avenue south to Cresse Avenue.

While the ban will not be in effect this summer, North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello said the months to come will serve as a trial run of sorts.

"The summer of 2017 is going to be an educational period," he said. "We're going to ask people to refrain from smoking this year and [let them know] that it will be banned next year."

The Wildwoods will become the second South Jersey shore town to ban smoking on its boardwalk, after Ocean City did the same in 2014.