Can you smoke at the New York State Fair?

STATE FAIRGROUNDS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The 2024 New York State Fair guidelines call for smoke-free fairgrounds. Smoking is not allowed anywhere within the gates.

Instead, smokers are encouraged to smoke in designated areas outside gates 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11A. Not following the rules has consequences according to New York State Fair Director, Julie LaFave.

“We’re not gonna ask people to leave the fair completely, just get your hand stamped and come back in,” said LaFave. “Anybody who is smoking at the fairgrounds we will kindly ask them to go to one of those designated zones.”

But Fairgoers aren’t so confident that these rules are being enforced. Shawn Hewitt, a fair attendee, had thoughts to share on the matter.

“People do what they want, you could enforce it or try to enforce it,” said Hewitt. “But people are always going to find a way.”

Above all, New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave, wants attendees to be aware of others.

“We don’t want people smoking here for a number of reasons, but we obviously respect their choice to do so,” said LaFave. “We just ask that they take in mind the feelings of the fairgoers around them.”

While you can’t smoke any cannabis products within the gates, other products such as edibles or gummies are allowed in.

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