Greenburgh Insider: Sales and marketing of tobacco and weapons near schools to be restricted.

 

The Board approved two new local laws restricting the sale and marketing of weapons and tobacco products near schools and parks. We don't want to the shops to target our youth.

TOWN RESTRICTS SALES AND MARKETING OF WEAPONS AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS NEAR PARKS AND SCHOOLS.

 

The Greenburgh Town Board last night approved two new local laws restricting the sale and marketing of weapons and tobacco products near parks and schools. These products are often housed under the same roof and tend to target younger audiences.

 

On December 14th 2022 the Town created a new Chapter 472 in local law entitled “Weapons, Prohibition of Specified Sales, Display and Advertising of Weapons.”

 

The resolution is outlined here: TB 2022 1026 CL-6 reso Lead Agency Set PH for Local Law on Sales-Display Weapons

 

A second related local law also adopted Dec. 14 created a new Chapter 453 entitled, “Tobacco Products and Smoking Paraphernalia, Prohibition of Sales, Display and Advertising of Specified Tobacco Products and Smoking Paraphernalia.”

 

The law is outlined here: Local Law on Sales-Display Smoke Shops

 

In the interest of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the Town’s children, the Town will restrict the sale, display and advertising of dangerous weapons, tobacco products and smoking paraphernalia in close proximity to schools, and parks. This zoning amendment followed a public hearing on Nov. 9, coordinated SEQRA review, and followed from input and research conducted by members of the community, including the members of the Edgemont Community Council.

 

The sale or offering to sell these products or weapons is prohibited within 750 feet from any school which has students below the age of 21 or public park. The advertising or display of any specified products or weapons is prohibited within 1,500 feet from any school which has students below the age of 21 or public park.

 

Any business found to be operating in violation of these chapters would be fined substantially and could be put under review for closure by the Town Attorney’s office. For businesses that are lawfully selling, at the time of the enactment of these local laws, specified tobacco products and/or smoking paraphernalia or weapons, such sales may continue for a period of one year from the date that the laws are filed with the Secretary of State.

We worked cooperatively with the Edgemont Community Council and local residents  which advocated for the passage of the law over the past number of months.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor