Nassau County, NY Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Cannabis/vaping only
- Where
- All county-owned property
- Penalty
- Up to $25 civil fine
- Effective
- June 9, 2021
- Tobacco smoking
- Not covered by this law
Summary
Nassau County bans smoking or vaping cannabis on any county-owned property, parks, beaches, playgrounds, and government buildings, under a 2021 local law aimed at public open spaces.
No person shall smoke or vape cannabis or concentrated cannabis as those terms are defined by §222.00 of the New York State Penal Law on any County-owned property including but not limited to buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, preserves, playgrounds, beaches, campgrounds, or any other county-owned open spaces. § 2. Penalties. A violation of section one of this local law shall be punishable by a civil penalty not exceeding $25.00.
Full Breakdown
County law prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis or concentrated cannabis, as those terms are defined in New York Penal Law § 222.00, anywhere on county-owned property, including buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, preserves, playgrounds, beaches, and campgrounds. The ban covers only cannabis: it does not touch tobacco cigarette smoking outdoors, which New York's statewide Clean Indoor Air Act addresses separately. Enacted as Local Law No. 11-2021, effective June 9, 2021, and current as codified in the county's Miscellaneous Laws as of January 1, 2022.
Violations & Fines
Smoking or vaping cannabis on county-owned property is a civil violation punishable by a fine of up to $25.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban apply to cigarette smoking in county parks?
Where does the ban apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nassau County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Nassau County to another location·View the New York public conduct overview
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