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North Beach enacts emergency ordinance banning on-site edible cannabis consumption and expanding smoking/vaping prohibitions
Summary
The council adopted emergency Ordinance 25-2 to expand smoke-free areas in town, prohibit on-site consumption establishments for edible cannabis, ban distribution/sale/consumption at public events, and establish a $500 municipal infraction fine; the emergency finding passed with six affirmative votes.
The Town of North Beach approved emergency Ordinance 25-2 on June 5, 2025, amending Town Code Chapter 86 to expand locations where smoking, vaping and the consumption of edible cannabis products are prohibited. Councilwoman Healy (S12) presented the ordinance, which also adds a prohibition on operating establishments for on-site consumption of edible cannabis products and bars distribution, sale, or consumption of cannabis products at public events within town limits.
Under the ordinance as read into the record, violations of Chapter 86 not classified as a misdemeanor will be subject to a $500 municipal infraction fine. The ordinance was presented as an emergency action justified by the imminent onset of the summer season and the need to protect public health, welfare and peace; the recitals state five affirmative votes are required to declare an emergency.
Council seconded the motion and voted; the mayor (S2) counted affirmative votes and reported six ayes, exceeding the five-vote emergency threshold, so the ordinance took effect immediately upon adoption subject to publication requirements under the town charter. The record shows general assent; the transcript did not include sustained debate or a roll-call of individual yes/no votes in the provided segments.
Supporters cited the timing of summer events as justification for expedited action. The ordinance sets enforcement and penalty structure; staff and the town attorney should confirm publication steps and enforcement guidance for event organizers and local vendors.
