Village Board agrees to ban smoking in playgrounds, parks and beaches (including parking lots)
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At the June 15 Village Board meeting, the public had an opportunity to chime in about the proposed local law that prohibits any kind of smoking in parks, playgrounds and beaches. The hearing participants, which included about six Village residents, agreed to the proposal, but questioned why the amendment, as proposed, allowed for smoking in beach parking lots. Chief of Village Police, Chris Hughes, explained that if this section of the law was changed, people who smoke cigarettes or cigars in their cars while enjoying the view would then be breaking the law.
Because cannabis use is not permitted inside a vehicle under New York State law, that wouldn’t be allowed anyway. But public participants noted that they’d prefer not to smell cannabis smoke at the beach, even if it’s from someone standing in the parking lot. The board agreed to change the wording of the proposed law to include that smoking (any type of product, including cannabis, cigarettes and vape pens) in beach parking lots will also be prohibited, whether you’re in your car or standing on the pavement.
When asked how the law would be enforced, Chief Hughes said, “Like with most minor violations, we’ll receive a complaint from a civilian and we’ll go out to investigate it. It will be something that the officer will have to observe in his presence to write a summons, a code of Village of Northport violation, and an appearance ticket will be issued.”
What’s next? Trustee Dave Weber said that he’d like to see similar changes made to prohibit smoking on sidewalks. The law amendment addressing smoking in parks, playgrounds and beaches is only the first step in addressing “the smoking of anything, but marijuana in particular,” according to Mayor Damon McMullen.
This is an update to an article previously published in the Northport Journal .
Smoking any type of product, including cannabis, cigarettes and vape pens, is now prohibited in Northport Village Park (and playgrounds and beaches), including in parking lots.
