Community Coalition leaders join with Elected Officials to amend the Town of Smithtown zoning rules, restricting the locations of businesses whose primary use includes the sale or use of electronic cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, other legal marijuana derivatives, vapors, or on-site indoor smoking. The most up-to-date version of the amended code would prohibit Hookah lounges and Vape Stores/Lounges within 1500 feet of the “lot line of any park, playground, religious institution or school.”
“Limiting the availability of these products within our community is a key first step in reversing the uptick in vape use, restricting access to paraphernalia and other harmful and addictive products. Along with robust educational campaigns in the schools and the community about the risk associated with these products, we hope to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and positive, pro-social coping skills.” – Director, Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services, Horizons Counseling and Education Center
This initiative, led by Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, a mother of young school children, grew in support as many new vape shops began to open up along the main business districts throughout the hamlets. Various Parenting networks sent letters and emails, inquiring about restrictions. Councilwoman Inzerillo began a dialogue with the Town Attorney’s office, Chief Operating officials from the Smithtown Youth Bureau, Horizons Center, and various community coalitions to gauge concern. After attending a seminar with Councilman Tom Lohmann on the various trends in addiction among young children and teens, the two Town Board members set up a think tank discussion, assembling 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.
“There are literally Youtube videos teaching young kids how to use e-cigarettes while sitting in class. 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 public areas where kids assemble as safe as humanly possible.” – Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo
The Code would also modify the word usage and definition of “Smoking” as it relates to provisions concerning Hookah Lounges and Vape Stores/Lounges, 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.
“I believe that government is in place to safeguard our community. 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. When speaking about our community here in the Town of Smithtown, I like to use my “It’s a Wonderful Life” analogy. I would much rather live in Bailey Park than Pottersville.” – Kim Revere, Kings Park In the kNOw
“I want to commend the town for taking action limiting risk to children in restricting vape shop locations near local schools and parks. 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
“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, Northport-East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force
The public hearing on the resolution was heard during the April 10th Town Board meeting. 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 26th, 2018.