Police in Atlantic City Consider Stricter Enforcement Against Marijuana Smoking on the Boardwalk
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Published on: May 7, 2025, 02:26h.Last Update on: May 7, 2025, 02:37h.
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Atlantic City vows to eliminate the nauseating aroma of cannabis on its renowned boardwalk this summer* Violators will be hit hard on their wallets with hefty fines* Discontent from vendors, tourists, and locals spark this crackdown on illegal activities
The inescapable stench of cannabis on Atlantic City's iconic boardwalk has gotten out of hand, leading local authorities to take action. Known as the Sin City of the east, the five-mile-long stretch is already littered with casinos and people lighting up is causing quite the ruckus.
Despite the prohibition of smoking marijuana and cigarettes along the boardwalk, the volume of weed available has resulted in more rule-breakers, much to the chagrin of the locals and businesses affected.
According to a report by NBC 10 Philadelphia, the local police are taking the complaints seriously, planning to lift their game in enforcing the ban.
"We don't prefer the sight nor the smell," said Capt. Kevin Fair, a member of the Atlantic City Police Department. "We're going to take action."
Thanks to a $3 million grant from the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, more officers will be patrolling the boardwalk this summer. The city's surveillance center will also track down offenders, with hefty fines on the cards for violators.
No Joints Allowed on the Boardwalk
While adult-use cannabis was legalized in New Jersey in 2021, the boardwalk is not an acceptable place to spark up. Atlantic City has worked hard to establish itself as a cannabis hub, boasting 12 open dispensaries, and dozens more on the way.
Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, and Tropicana are some of the popular casinos located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, indirectly affected by the crackdown.
Mark Giannantonio, the CEO of Resorts AC and President of the local Casino Association, firmly supports a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana use on the boardwalk. The move aims to bring back the family-friendly atmosphere people have come to love.
- The upcoming summer in Atlantic City promises a change as the city aggressively plans to eliminate the pervasive cannabis smell on the boardwalk.
- Violators found breaking the ban on smoking cannabis or cigarettes along the boardwalk will face hefty fines as a consequence of their actions.
- The discontent among vendors, tourists, and locals has sparked the crackdown on illegal activities along the Atlantic City boardwalk.
- In an effort to reinforce the ban, Atlantic City Police Department will bolster its presence with additional officers patrolling the boardwalk this summer.
- The city's surveillance center will also play a significant role in tracking down offenders who ignore the ban.
- Despite legalizing adult-use cannabis in 2021, the boardwalk remains off-limits for marijuana use, focusing instead on developing a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Atlantic City's popular casinos, such as Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and Ocean Casino Resort, are indirectly affected by the crackdown on cannabis use on the boardwalk.
