Drones banned at Open, other events

A view of the clubhouse with the ninth green in the foreground during the 2018 U.S. Open media preview on Oct. 4, 2017 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Southampton Town officials have instituted a ban on flying unmanned aircrafts during special events, including the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton.
Under the new law, only operators with prior written permission from the Southampton Town police chief would be allowed to fly drones during events. The town police department requested the new law, citing safety concerns.
The original intent was for the law to be in effect only during the U.S. Open, Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said during an April 24 town board meeting. The proposed change states the ban would be in effect two hours before and after all events that are issued a permit by the town. It would apply to a two-mile radius surrounding the event.
Schneiderman said the town board will likely change the wording of the law, but opted to move forward with it as is because the U.S. Open is just a couple weeks away. The golf tournament runs June 11-17.
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