Smithtown smoking ban pushed for beaches, parks

Smoking could be banned next month in Town of Smithtown parks, beaches and playgrounds.

The town board plans to vote on the proposed ban at its Aug. 14 meeting, Supervisor Patrick R. Vecchio said Tuesday. Smoking also would be prohibited within 50 feet of town buildings.

The ban would take effect immediately if it is passed, town attorney John Zollo said. Violators would be ordered to appear in Fourth District Court in Hauppauge, where they could face possible fines.

No one spoke for or against the ban during a public hearing Tuesday at Town Hall.

In an interview, Vecchio said the ban would protect children from being harmed by cigarette smoke. “I think it’s clear that secondhand smoke is deleterious to people’s health,” he said.
Babylon Town Tuesday joined New York City and at least six other Long Island towns and villages with smoking bans. Suffolk County last month banned smoking at county parks and beaches.