Great Neck Bans Smoking on Public Sidewalks

Great Neck Mayor Ralph J. Kreitzman approves the ban of smoking on sidewalks (Village of Great Neck).

Great Neck has banned smoking on public sidewalks in front of business and other areas on Middle Neck Road.

Mayor Ralph J. Kreitzman said the ban, approved on Tuesday, was enacted after officials got complaints about smokers standing outside stores in the village.

“After complaints about smoke entering Village stores and upsetting customers,” Kreitzman said, “the Village decided to enact this local law to prevent such situations. It also is a health benefit for pedestrians. It would be great to see other Villages follow in our footsteps.”

It’s the first municipality in the state and third in the nation to enact such a restriction, according to a Great Neck village board press release.

The law prohibits smoking tobacco and other substances on sidewalks along, or within 125 feet of, Middle Neck Road in front of commercial establishments, the Village Green Park and the Village Housing Authority. The ban also precludes smoking at benches in municipal parking lots with access to Middle Neck Road and within 10 feet around them.

Kreitzman said violators found smoking on sidewalks in the 1.2-square-mile village could face fines of up to $1,000.

Neighboring New York City is currently considering a smoking ban in parks and pedestrian plazas.

With the Associated Press