Babylon Town Council Approves Restrictions For New Vape Shops

TOWN OF BABYLON, NY - The Town of Babylon voted unanimous to change the town code to include additional restrictions on e-cigarettes and vapes as well as the businesses that sell these products.

During the meeting on Wednesday, the code was changed to ban smoking e-cigarettes and vapes in public parks as well as require any new business that sells or uses these products such as vape stores or hookah lounges, to open in the industrial areas within the town.

The current town code already bans smoking in town parks, recreation areas, playgrounds, pools and beaches.

Town Councilman Terry McSweeney says there has been an increase in vape shops and hookah lounges in the Babylon area including near schools, which has resulted in complaints from residents.

"What we are trying to do here is not tell any responsible over-21 adults that they can't vape or smoke anymore we just want to make it so it's less visible to our children and try to keep the family friendly walkability in Babylon," he said. "I've noticed and the community has noticed that these vape shops have been popping up and we've trying to get a handle on it before it gets out of control and there's a vape shop on every corner."

McSweeney also said the new changes in the code will not affect current vape shops/hookah lounges that are in the town. However, any new vape shops or hookah lounges will not be allowed to open in the downtown or residential areas, but rather the industrial areas of town.

"To be clear, this isn't a ban on these businesses, it is simply an attempt to limit their visible accessibility to our children. As a father of two young daughters, I can tell you that no parent looks forward to the day their child decides to start smoking," he said.

McSweeney also said he believes thatt big tobacco is targeting children with flavored vapes like cotton candy and watermelon and with their advertisements featuring cartoons and even Disney characters.

He also said the town council will also be exploring other options to limit vaping and smoking. There will be designated areas in town where vape and smoking will be allowed.

Recently, in nearby Smithtown the Town Council voted unanimously to change the town code to require business such as Hookah lounges and vape stores to be within 1,500 feet of any park, playground, religious institution or school.

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