Huntington mulls tougher fines targeting prostitution, and vape sales to those under 21

Town of Huntington officials will hold public hearings Tuesday aimed at increasing penalties for businesses that sell vape products to those under 21, and for establishments that allow prostitution.

The first public hearing will consider defining the violation and increasing the fine for any business that sells vapes or related products to anyone under 21. That includes tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, liquid nicotine, rolling papers and smoking paraphernalia.

As of now, violators of the public nuisance code face a penalty of up to $10,000 and 15 days' imprisonment for a first offense. Under the proposal for the first offense, violators also would face a fine of $2,500 to $5,000, and for a second offense, between $5,000 and $15,000.

Karen Steinhaus has lived in East Northport for 26 years and says she thinks the proliferation of vape shops has given the community a bad name and that the proposed legislation will send a message.

"Maybe now they will be a little more careful on who they're selling to," Steinhaus said.

In 2023, town code was updated to bar new vape shops within 500 feet of the property lines of parks, playgrounds, schools and places of worship.

The second public hearing will consider increasing the penalties for those convicted of using their establishments — such as foot spas and massage businesses — for prostitution. The fines were increased in 2024 and again last year.

Offenders would be subject to a fine of between $5,000 and $15,000 and/or up to 15 days' imprisonment for a first offense. They also would be subject to a fine of between $10,000 and $25,000 and/or up to 15 days' imprisonment for each additional offense committed within five years of the first offense, if the proposal is approved.

Currently, a first-time violation of the code costs between $2,500 and $10,000. For a second offense, the fine is between $5,000 and $15,000.

Town board member Theresa Mari, who sponsored the resolutions, said it’s important to bring awareness to those quality-of-life issues and to give town officials more ability to hold people accountable when they violate the law.

Mari said her goal of addressing issues with foot spas is that “it’s not just the cost of doing business, and that if they want to engage in this type of activity, they’re not going to do it in Huntington.”

The public hearings, which will be separate, will be held during the regular town board meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall, 100 Main St. The board will have 90 days to vote on the measures.

By Deborah S. Morris

deborah.morris@newsday.comdsvmorris

Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.