E-cigarette smoking in public parks is no longer welcome in the Town of Babylon.
In a unanimous decision, town officials approved a ban on e-cigarettes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids and other legal marijuana derivatives at town parks, recreation areas, playgrounds, pools and beaches.
The Town Board also passed a ban on new vape shops and hookah lounges from opening in business-zoned areas.
Town Councilman Terence McSweeney says he proposed the ban because e-cigarettes threaten the health of children and teens.
“A lot of these vape shops are directly across the street from elementary schools, down the streets from middle schools and high schools, and that's not a good projection here in the Town of Babylon,” says the councilman.
The American Lung Association applauded Babylon’s new ban because it treats e-cigarettes the same way as tobacco products.
The Town says vaping in public could come with a fine ranging from $50-$250.