Places where it would be illegal to smoke outdoors may expand if a new bill gets approved.

It is already illegal to smoke on most New Jersey beaches, but that ban could potentially move up to the boardwalk as well.

“I think it would be great if we didn’t have to walk around smelling cigarette smoke when we go to the beach,” says Amanda Hernandez, of Woodbridge.

“It’s an unpleasant smell. I don’t think it’s good for you. I don’t think it’s good for people around you,” says Brianna Egri, of Scotch Plains.

Many people who were out enjoying Thursday’s pleasant weather in Long Branch told News 12 New Jersey that they support a plan to expand the smoking ban to more outdoor spaces.

The idea is a reintroduction of a proposed bill shelved a few years ago. It would ban smoking at most outdoor public spaces, such as boardwalks, racetracks, amusement parks, marinas and burial sites.

While the plan has major support across the state, there are some New Jersey residents who do not support it.

Sebastian Cuomo, of Fords, says this is an example of the government going too far.

“It is a bad habit but shouldn’t be up to the government to tell you where to smoke – especially when you’re outside,” he says. “It’s a privacy issue. Stay out of my business, basically.”

But those who support the bill say that smokers’ choices to smoke in public around nonsmokers is making it their business.

“If you’re making that personal choice, it still affects me having to walk through it,” Egri says.

The bill is said to have bipartisan support. It was reintroduced by state Assemblywoman Carol Murphy. She was not available for comment on this issue.