Peapack and Gladstone council debates open‑container and public cannabis limits

Peapack and Gladstone council members debated on June 30 whether to adopt a local open‑container ordinance for special events and whether to clarify borough smoking rules to explicitly cover cannabis products.

A council member who raised the issue said open‑container authority could help police manage large, occasional crowds during events such as the October races. That member also suggested local rules addressing public use of marijuana and edible cannabis products on borough property. Other council members and staff noted the borough already relies on a public intoxication law and state controls, and cited the Smoke‑Free Air Act as treating marijuana smoke separately from cigarette smoke.

Council members highlighted enforcement and privacy limits, saying policing had to balance public order with civil‑liberties concerns. Several members said they had not received complaints about public cannabis use beyond isolated event days and that they preferred to ask the police chief for any operational recommendations before drafting new ordinances. The mayor said he would consult with police and bring recommendations back to the council.

No vote to adopt a local open‑container or expanded smoking ordinance occurred at the meeting; the council directed staff to consult the police chief and report back to the governing body. Council members emphasized that enforcement mechanisms, labeling of edible products and the legal limits set by state law would guide any future drafting.

Quote highlights from the discussion include a council member’s remark that "we have a public intoxication law" as a reason to hesitate on new local codes and that proper enforcement recommendations should come from the police department.

The council agreed to revisit the topic after the chief and staff provide additional information.