[Ord. #2471, 5-25-2021, adopted]
A.
The purpose
of this chapter is to regulate the use and consumption of cannabis
and cannabis items in public places, as outlined in Section 46 of
the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace
Modernization Act. Pursuant to Section 46 and N.J.S.A. 26:3D-65(a),
a municipality may, by ordinance, fine an individual who smokes or
carries lighted cannabis, or consumes cannabis or cannabis items by
any other means in any public place.
B.
In connection
therewith, the Township of Bernards finds that in public places, the
right of nonsmokers to breathe clean air outweighs the right of smokers
to smoke, and also finds that the consumption of cannabis in public
places is inimical to the health, safety, and welfare of the Township
and its residents.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any place to which the public has access that is not privately
owned; or any place to which the public has access where alcohol consumption
is not allowed, including, but not limited to, a public street, roadway,
thoroughfare, sidewalk, bridge, alley, plaza, park, playground, swimming
pool, shopping area, public transportation facility, vehicle used
for public transportation, parking lot, public library, or any other
public building, structure, or area.
