Beach Smoking Ban

Paul Evans wrote:

Smoking should definitely be prohibited on beaches. There is no other place where cigarette smoke both (1) travels so well and (2) is more annoying. Since the beach is a "public good," no one can claim an ownership right which entitles him to smoke. Before you say, hey, that guy's OK: I feel the same way about your dog.

Gordon wrote:

This is actually one of the few smoking laws I agree with. Why? The litter is disgusting, but it's not just cigarette butts. It's also potato chip bags, chocolate bar wrappers, used condoms, leftovers from picnic lunches and so on.
When you throw your garbage away on the beach, the sea isn't going to magically sweep it up! Take care of your environment or your beach will end up like ours, a real scumhole!

Gordon wrote:

Depends on who is pushing for it. There are some anti-smoking advocates who would go for this just to further indulge in their own fantasy world of lunacy, however there are others like me and you who care about the environment.
I agree with the smoking laws in parks and beaches (which we have none of here) if they are in conjunction with existing littering laws. Additionally beaches and parks are city-owned property so the government does have every right to look after them accordingly, it's when they go after private property someone needs to step in.

revlee wrote:

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Once again, agreed. If the government owns it, then the government can decide the rules and regulations on it. If a private person owns it, that person should have final say on the rules and regulations, providing they are not allowing illegal use of the proerty.

nyyankee wrote:

<quoted text>does this mean we can't smoke fish on the beach anymore too?

Gordon wrote:

Depends on who is pushing for it. There are some anti-smoking advocates who would go for this just to further indulge in their own fantasy world of lunacy, however there are others like me and you who care about the environment.
I agree with the smoking laws in parks and beaches (which we have none of here) if they are in conjunction with existing littering laws. Additionally beaches and parks are city-owned property so the government does have every right to look after them accordingly, it's when they go after private property someone needs to step in.

give me a break wrote:

this law or "proposed law" is crazy. If someone wants to smoke, let them smoke. It's just like drinking. Is drinking allowed at the beaches? Not everyone likes drinkers or the fact that drinkers are at the beach or littering. I say, fine them for littering, but you are outside in a public place. OUTSIDE is the key word here. If it bothers you that much, how about all the smoke from cars, shops, and every other modern technology just about that lets off fumes. Gonna ban them too???? Are you going to ban every smoker in the world to their own home? oh, forgot people want to ban smokers from smoking in their own homes and cars too. Give me a break

Debbie wrote:

Smoking in public places should not be allowed where it exposes others to the stink of the smoke and the exposure to carcinogens.

Debbie wrote:

If people want to smoke in their home or cars (although it really ticks me off when they throw their butts out their windows instead of using their ashtrays!), as long as they aren't exposing their children to it, is up to them.

Debbie wrote:

Litter on the beach of any kind should not be tolerated. As a huge beach lover I cannot understand why anyone would leave their trash on the beach like it is a garbage dump. It is probably a combination of ignorance and laziness.

Lynda wrote:

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Well, how come you're not as THAT concerned about the stink and carcinogens your car is spewing into the air that everyone is forced to breathe?
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And would you like someone to tell you what kind of risks you can or cannot expose your child to? In essence, telling you how to raise your children? Or would you prefer to teach them about life and choices and responsibility for your own belief system rather than someone elses?
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This I totally agree with. I've cut my feet on broken glass on the beaches. Anyone leaving their trash around, whether it is on the beach or the street is littering. That is what the litter laws are for, unfortunately most don't do it when law enforcement is around to witness it and enforce the law. Same thing with pet owners, not picking up after their pets do their business on the beach or street.