Smoking ban on New Jersey beaches goes into effect Wednesday

TRENTON, N.J. (FOX 29) - A ban on smoking at public beaches in New Jersey goes into effect Wednesday.

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill banning smoking at the state's public beaches and parks in July, though local communities can opt out and designate small smoking sections.

MORE: Gov. Murphy signs ban on smoking at public New Jersey beaches, parks

The law doesn't specify who will be responsible for enforcing it. Murphy said it shouldn't be lifeguards, but he left it up to towns to decide. Senate President Steve Sweeney, who sponsored the bill, said lifeguards or local police could be called on to enforce the ban.

The ban also bars vaping but allows towns to set up smoking areas on 15 percent of any given beach or park. Smokers will also be allowed to light up in parking lots.

Fines would start at $250 for a first offense and go up to $1,000 for a third offense.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.