Saratoga Springs to Consider Ordinance Prohibiting Possession of Firearm while Intoxicated, Impaired

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City Council will announce Tuesday night a proposed ordinance that prohibits possessing a firearm in a public place while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs.

A “public place” is described as public highways, streets, sidewalks and parking areas, as well as in any vehicle or premise open or accessible to the public. 

Intoxication is defined as meeting the definition of intoxicated under the state’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, which sets the threshold of illegality at a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher. Additionally, “impaired” in the proposed ordinance is defined as meeting the definitions of impaired by alcohol, impaired by drugs or impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs under N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law and its related case law. 

During its May 2 meeting, it is anticipated the council will announce the proposal and set a public hearing on the matter.