Town To Vote On New Restrictions For Vape Shops, Hookah Lounges

SMITHTOWN, NY - The Town of Smithtown is considering changing the town zoning code affecting businesses that sell or use electronic cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquid nicotine, and other marijuana derivatives.

The proposed law would require business such as Hookah lounges and vape stores to be within 1,500 feet of any park, playground, religious institution or school.

The initiative was led by Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo and gained support from members of the community as several new vape shops began to open up along the main business districts throughout the town.

Town officials claim they began to receive letters and emails from parenting networks requesting some sort of restriction on businesses that sell or use vapes and e-cigarettes.

After receiving those messages, Inzerillo began coordinating with the Town Attorney’s office, officials from the Smithtown Youth Bureau, Horizons Center and various community coalitions to gauge concern.

“There are literally Youtube videos teaching young kids how to use e-cigarettes while sitting in class," Inzerillo said. "While we have a responsibility as parents to know what our children are doing at every minute of the day, I have an obligation as an elected official to do all I can to keep our school zones, parks and other publicareas where kids assemble as safe as humanly possible.”

After attending a seminar with Councilman Tom Lohmann on the trends in addiction among young children and teens, the two town board members began to work with representatives from the Youth Bureau, Horizons Center, Public Safety, In the kNOw, Commack Coalition for Caring and Northport-East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force to propose the new restrictions.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Smithtown

"I believe that government is in place to safeguard our community," Kim Revere, a member of Kings Park In the kNOw, said. "Where Vape shops are concerned we need to understand that vape pens are simply another nicotine delivery system. Nicotine is highly addictive and the tobacco companies have created a new system which is attractive to minors as well as adults. Therefore we should not be catering to this market."

The new code would also change the definition of the word "smoking" to include the growing use of liquid nicotine, vapors, water pipe tobacco and other substances encased in in electronic cigarettes, vape pens and pipes commonly known as hookah, waterpipe, shisha and narghile or similar devices.

"Kids are curious, they do not understand the dangers, the consequences and physical harm of using these products," Debbie Virga, President of Commack Coalition of Caring said.

The public hearing on the resolution was heard during Town Board meeting on April 10.

A SEQRA declaration still must be completed. However, it is expected that this ordinance will be voted on at the next Town Board meeting, scheduled for April 26.

“I am pleased that Smithtown has taken a proactive approach in taking a stand. I am hoping that the town of Huntington will join them in following suit, to support safeguards in the community.” Nicole Carey a member of the Northport- East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force said.

What do you think? Do you agree with the proposed restriction? Let us know in the comments below.

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