With local businesses continuing to struggle due to the devastating financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, why would the Southampton Town Council even consider a ban on balloon sales that could hurt these taxpaying businesses even more?
A ban on the sale of all balloons filled with helium, or lighter-than-air gas, could force these community businesses to close for good. Owners, managers and employees would lose their livelihoods. Established hometown businesses that have helped residents celebrate life events for years would be shuttered. Tax revenues would be lost.
An article in The Southampton Press [“Councilman and Committee Continue To Support Helium Balloon Ban,” 27east.com, March 9] stated that 18 balloon businesses were met with to discuss the impact of such a ban, and six of the 10 — the majority — responded against the ban. What happened to the other eight?
Southampton already has a ban on intentional balloon releases, and in 2019, when this issue came up, the Sustainability Committee proposed implementing an education plan to address the issue. Has any education been done?
The Balloon Council offered to partner with Southampton to create an education plan before, and the offer still stands. Focusing on educating consumers at the point of purchase to change behavior is the quickest way to teach proper use and disposal of balloons, prevent balloon releases, and reduce the chances of balloons becoming litter.
Southampton needs education — not legislation.
Councilman John Bouvier says that seeing ocean debris is “heartbreaking,” but what is even more heartbreaking is taking away the livelihoods of those who live in, work in and support the community of Southampton.
Lorna O’Hara
Executive Director
The Balloon Council
Trenton, New Jersey
As the article noted, Tip Brolin of the town’s Sustainability Committee reported that the committee “visited 18 local businesses with mixed results. Ten responded, with four either supporting or offering no objection to the proposal, and six opposed to losing business.” It should also be noted that the story also said: “Councilman Rick Martel suggested there are more than 18 businesses townwide that sell helium balloons” — Ed.
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