At the October 2nd meeting of the Quakertown Borough Council, officials approved an ordinance concerning zoning restrictions regarding smoke shops and drug paraphernalia. This will amend the existing ordinance.

            This ordinance is considered important to the health and safety of the borough. The council proposed this because it is likely that the establishment of smoke shops will continue and the goal is to limit any negative impact on the community. This includes all smoke shops, tobacco stores and mixed-use establishments.

            Some parts of the ordinance include: no smoking shall be permitted on the premises at any time; no sales may be solicited or conducted on the premises by minors; no self-service tobacco, tobacco product, or tobacco paraphernalia displays shall be permitted.

            In addition, smoke shops, tobacco stores and mixed-use establishments shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a school (private or public), family daycare, childcare facility, youth center, community center, recreational facility, park, church or religious institution, hospital, or area similar where children regularly gather.

            The council also approved Daniel Carr as a probationary police officer. "He has successfully completed the process," said Borough Manager and Police Chief Scott McElree. An official swearing-in ceremony will be held at the monthly work session on Monday, October 28th.

            The borough's Trick or Treat time will be 6 p.m. on October 31st. The borough will also be hosting its 55th annual Halloween Parade. The parade will start promptly at 2 p.m. on October 20th.