Smoking and vaping banned on town-owned property in Amenia

AMENIA — Smoking and vaping tobacco and cannabis is now banned on town-owned property in Amenia after Town Board members approved new regulations Thursday, Sept. 17.

Town Board members unanimously approved the new local law during their regular meeting following a public comment period that drew no response.

Town officials introduced the legislation in August, intending to bring the town’s local laws in line with updated guidelines from health authorities and anti-smoking advocates. Those guideline updates are driven by increased use of cannabis following legalization in New York and the prevalence of nicotine vapes, Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm said.

Hamm said the updated guidance led her to realize the town did not have any smoking regulations. She said that realization spurred town officials to implement a formal ban on town property including Town Hall, the basketball courts and public space along Main Street, Beekman Park, Fountain Square, the town’s Highway Garage, town-owned cemeteries and at the playground behind Town Hall.

The town will now install “no smoking” signs at the impacted locations. Violations of the law carry fines — $50 for a first offense and between $200 and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Hamm said the town’s constables and Dutchess County Sheriff’s deputies will have the authority to issue tickets for violating the law. But she said she expects most people to respect the signs and refrain from smoking on town property.

“It’s going to take time to get it in full swing, but you have to start somewhere,” Hamm said in September before the law was approved.