That old guy from “Up,” would be in for one heckuvah fine in East Hampton.
Officials of the Long Island town want to outlaw the intentional release of balloons, according to local reports. Any violators of the proposed rule would be subject to a $1,000 fine or up to 15 days in jail. Officials said they could use circumstantial evidence — like a note tied to a balloon — to enforce the law.
Still, town officials said the real goal is to deter balloon tossers in order to minimize pollution and protect wildlife that can come to swallow the dangerous materials.
“The intent here is to discourage it,” East Hampton supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said at a town board work session last week, according to Newsday. “It’s about getting the message out that balloons released into the environment are harmful.”
The town also specified they’re not planning on going after folks who let go of balloons accidentally.
“We’re not going after 3-year-olds who can’t hold onto their parade balloon,” assistant town attorney NancyLynn Thiele.
And teens don’t need to worry either — water balloon fights are still permitted “as long as you pick them all up,” Thiele said.
Other exemptions include weather balloons, hot air balloons and balloons released indoors.
A public hearing on the proposed ban is scheduled for Feb. 7.