Resident urges ShopRite to curb cannabis smoke at entrance; police say private-property limits restrict action

A local resident told the Absecon City Council on Feb. 19 that cannabis smoke in the ShopRite parking lot is so strong employees and customers encounter it when they enter the store.

Sandy Hickerson, who gave her address as 210 Upland Avenue, said: "You can't walk through that parking lot without smelling it... I work 6 days a week... 5 out of the 6 days when I get done work, I walk outside and it hits you in the face." She asked whether ShopRite could post signage (for example, a no-smoking notice or a rule prohibiting smoking within a number of feet from the front door) and whether police could increase patrols there.

Police Chief responded that recreational cannabis is legal in 2026 and enforcement options are limited on private property. He said the city enforces park smoking ordinances but, on private property, enforcement depends on what is occurring; he advised residents to report specific incidents. "There's not a whole lot the police department can do about these things when we legalized cannabis," the chief said. Council members and staff noted that a private business such as ShopRite could choose to post no-smoking signs or otherwise set property rules.

Why it matters: The complaint illustrates the practical effects of legalized recreational cannabis on adjacent businesses and employees and highlights limits on municipal enforcement when activity occurs on private property.

What comes next: Staff suggested the resident pursue management at ShopRite about signage or corporate policy; the chief said residents may report incidents to police for evaluation if they believe an offense or unsafe behavior is occurring.

Attribution: Direct quotes in this article come from Sandy Hickerson (public commenter) and the Police Chief, as recorded in the meeting transcript.