Paterson, N.J. Increases Inspections Of Hookah Bars
PATERSON, NJ (WCBS 880) - Several towns in north Jersey are trying to crackdown on certain smoking lounges.
WCBS 880's Levon Putney With Paterson Councilman Andre Sayegh
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With its sizable Middle Eastern population, Paterson is home to several hookah lounges, which have become popular with teenagers in recent years.
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"This is a serious quality of life concern," says Paterson Councilman Andre Sayegh.
He says residents are complaining about the crowds.
"[There's] excessive loitering, littering, loud music," he says.
The city has stepped up enforcement with task force inspections - checking that proprietors are conducting ID checks and keeping the smoking outdoors.
Sayegh hopes parents also step up.
"You can't legislate parenting," he says, noting that many of the teens are not local. "They're saying part of the appeal is going into Paterson cause it's shady."
According to The Record, other towns cracking down are Hackensack, Rutherford, and Lyndhurst.
