Merchantville is a designated “Breathe Easy” community. Per Borough Ordinance 83A (originally introduced as Ordinance 15-02), the use of tobacco, cannabis, and vape products is strictly prohibited in all public buildings, structures, parks, playgrounds, and ball fields owned, leased, or operated by the Borough of Merchantville and has been in effect since April 13, 2015 when Mayor Brennan and council officially approved and codified it into the municipal code. In partnership with Tobacco Free for a Healthy New Jersey (TFHNJ) and the Camden County Health Department, the town features prominent “Breathe Easy” signage throughout its public parks and walkways to reinforce clean-air zones.
This initiative aligns with Merchantville’s larger commitment to public health and environmental wellness, which also earned the municipality recognition as a certified Sustainable Jersey Bronze community and one of the state’s official “Healthy Towns”. Merchantville’s Board of Health is also actively working to achieve the prestigious Sustainable Jersey Gold Star Standard in Health. This milestone highlights the community’s multi-layered approach to public health, which seamlessly bridges local clean air policies with statewide sustainability benchmarks.
For anyone wondering, 100% smoke free is simple to understand. If it is smoked, lit, or vaped, it is not permitted. This typically includes: Traditional tobacco like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes; Electronic devices like E-cigarettes and vapes; This initiative aligns with Merchantville’s larger commitment to public health and environmental wellness, which also earned the municipality recognition as a certified Sustainable Jersey Bronze community and one of the state’s official “Healthy Towns”.
