By Alli Tretina
SEA BRIGHT – The Sea Bright Borough Council has adopted an ordinance to prohibit the operation of tobacco establishments, vape shops and the sale of THC products within the borough’s boundaries.
The ordinance, adopted Aug. 19, aims to promote public health and safety by restricting businesses associated with tobacco and vaping.
“This ordinance reflects our community’s commitment to protecting public health and preserving the character of our small beach town,” said Mayor Brian Kelley. “While we respect the rights of adults to make personal choices, we also recognize our responsibility to create an environment that promotes overall well-being.”
The ordinance cites the New Jersey Legislature’s declaration that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the state and nation, and that tobacco smoke poses a significant health hazard to nonsmokers. It also references the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, which allows municipalities to enact restrictions on smoking that are equivalent to or stricter than state provisions.
Under the new ordinance, the borough’s land use code defines a “tobacco establishment” as a business, such as a cigar bar or lounge, where at least 51% of retail sales come from tobacco products or related accessories, with other products being incidental.
A “vape shop” is any premises primarily dedicated to the sale, distribution or marketing of electronic smoking devices, liquid nicotine containers or vapor products, including areas for vaping. “THC products” are those containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, except in amounts permitted by federal or state law.
The ordinance amends the borough’s land use code, adding tobacco establishments, vape shops and the sale of THC products to the list of prohibited uses in Sea Bright.
“As the local health department serving Sea Bright and 11 other Monmouth County municipalities, JSRHC (Jersey Shore Regional Health Commission) recognizes this action as a proactive step toward protecting public health – especially among youth and vulnerable populations,” said Michael Balka, the JSRHC’s health officer.
Balka noted that the commission has prioritized reducing nicotine and smoking-related harm, referencing its 2022 ordinance which established licensing requirements and enforcement protocols for retailers of electronic smoking devices.
“Sea Bright’s ordinance represents a further step in this continuum by eliminating access points for high-risk products known to have long-term health impacts,” he said. “We anticipate that this ordinance will reduce youth access to harmful nicotine and THC products, decrease the likelihood of addiction and related health risks, and send a strong community-wide message discouraging the normalization of smoking and vaping.”
Sea Bright’s actions align with similar measures in neighboring Monmouth County municipalities. The Middletown Township Committee adopted an ordinance in 2023 banning the opening of new vape shops and the sale of vape/e-cigarette products and paraphernalia. Existing shops were required to obtain licenses and meet specific standards. On Dec. 2, 2024, Middletown updated its code, increasing license fees and clarifying local regulations.
Similarly, the Borough of Shrewsbury has prohibited shops primarily engaged in the retail sale or service of electronic smoking devices, liquid nicotine or vapor products since 2012, with amendments in 2017.
The Sea Bright ordinance was introduced July 15; a public hearing was held Aug. 19 before its adoption. It took effect immediately upon passage and publication, as required by law.
The article originally appeared in the September 4 – September 10, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
