Lavallette Bans Smoking, ‘Beach Spreading’ from the Sand

Lavallette life boat. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Two practices identified as annoyances by many beachgoers are going away in Lavallette.

The borough on Monday officially became the latest in a slew of New Jersey beach towns to ban smoking – a long-debated issue – and so-called “beach spreading,” a more recent practice that involves spreading large tents and cabanas over a plot of sand, thus crowding the sand and blocking the ocean view of those farther back.

Like many towns, including Belmar and Seaside Heights, Lavallette will ban the use of tents and enclosures larger than 10-feet by 10-feet. Enclosures must also be open-air rather than closed on all sides.

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“It will prevent people from setting up camp for the whole weekend and blocking the views of everyone else,” said Mayor Walter LaCicero.

The borough council passed the ordinance easily, with no one from the public rising to comment at any point during the meeting. Council President Anita Zalom, however, said the smoking ban irritated some ocean block homeowners because they are afraid smokers will come off the beach and smoke in front of their homes.

Borough officials say they will look to purchase some cigarrette disposal bins for next beach season.

The ordinance requires a second vote and public hearing before being finally adopted. The hearing will take place at the Oct. 16 meeting.