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Holmdel may bar smoking in bars 

The township may soon become the first municipality in Monmouth or Ocean counties to ban smoking in its bars, restaurants and workplaces.

In doing so, it would become only the second entity in the state to attempt adopting such a regulation, a New Jersey Group Against Smoking Pollution representative said. . . .

The sentiment among a number of people interviewed in Holmdel Tuesday was favorable. . . .

Mayor Larry Fink applauded Wall's initiative, saying, "I think it's something we should strongly consider."

But Committeeman Tony Orsini stressed that officials need to discuss the possible impact of the measure with local businesses.

He also asked how a smoking ban could hurt businesses revolving around smoking, like the Red Bank cigar club Ashes. While Orsini said Holmdel doesn't have such a business, he thinks approving the ban could mean that one never has the chance to open there. . . .

Wall said he'd also consider extending a ban to vehicles traveling through Holmdel with young children. He did not discuss that idea in committee.

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