A New Jersey lawmaker is pushing what he calls a "Snookiville Law" aimed at giving local authorities the right to impose tougher regulations on reality television shows that shoot in their communities.
Republican assemblyman Ronald Dancer says he plans to introduce his bill next week to strengthen public safety and observance of local laws when reality shows like the popular "Jersey Shore" are filming, reports the
Asbury Park Press.
“The popularity of MTV’s Jersey Shore and other reality shows can attract crowds to a community,” Dancer said Thursday. “That can be great for local businesses and a costly challenge to a town’s ability to control crowds and protect public safety. This will help local officials make sure that the attention reality stars like Snooki and JWoww bring to their town benefits local residents and businesses.”
“Jersey Shore” filmed four of its six seasons from 2009 to 2012 in Seaside Heights, where its hard-partying stars lived in the same house. The group wrapped up shooting for the upcoming and last season in early July.
Meanwhile, MTV is taping a spinoff, “JWoww & Snooki,” in nearby Manchester until October, pushing the same Jersey Shore crew into another community.
Seaside Heights borough administrator John Camera, said he doesn't believe a “Snookiville Law” will change much, because towns already charge production companies for extra police overtime and other costs associated with the productions. But he admitted he did get complaints from residents when the reality show was filming in Seaside Heights.
Toms River Township Administrator Paul Shives, however, supports the bill because some communities don't want the intrusion of a reality show. Earlier this year, the Press noted, Toms River blocked “JWoww & Snooki” from filming in town.
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