Town Weighs Cigarette Machine Ban
WHARTON, N.J. ? Hoping to further limit minors' access to tobacco products, the Wharton, N.J. board of health is considering a local law that would ban cigarette vending machines.
Although the town's 25 vending machines are primarily located in bars, some are found in restaurants and gas stations; city councilman Bruce Fahlgren said Friday that the ordinance would eliminate those few remaining places where children could potentially purchase cigarettes out of sight of adults.
The ordinance will have no bearing on over the counter sales, but will result in fines ranging from $250 to $500 for anyone who continues to rent or operate a machine.
Twenty other New Jersey municipalities have already passed similar laws.
Although the town's 25 vending machines are primarily located in bars, some are found in restaurants and gas stations; city councilman Bruce Fahlgren said Friday that the ordinance would eliminate those few remaining places where children could potentially purchase cigarettes out of sight of adults.
The ordinance will have no bearing on over the counter sales, but will result in fines ranging from $250 to $500 for anyone who continues to rent or operate a machine.
Twenty other New Jersey municipalities have already passed similar laws.