Longport has already banned smoking on it’s beaches. Will Margate & Ventnor follow? At the very least, will the rest of Downbeach encourage beach-goers to catch a smoke away from crowds…. and especially kids?
Have thoughts on banning / reducing smoking on Margate beaches? Voice your opinion at the next Margate Commissioner’s Meeting. Thurs, July 6 at 4p, Old City Hall, corner of Washington & Ventnor Ave in Margate…or leave a comment below.
How can South Jersey shore towns like Margate significantly reduce or eliminate smoking on the beach without using public safety resources like police & beach patrols?
High-Profile Signage
- Beach entrances
- Guard stands
- Beach trash cans
Public Education
- Online, Broadcast & Print – Public Service Announcements
- Print flyer included in each beach badge purchase
- No Smoking reminder imprinted on Beach Badge
- Friendly reminder on Badge Checker t-shirts
Messaging
Instead of a heavy-handed NO SMOKING message….. simple, fun, eco-friendly reminders would be better. Enlist Lucy The Elephant to encourage Smoke-Free Margate Beaches.
- ‘Please Keep Margate Beaches Smoke Free’
- Welcome to Margate. Clean Beaches, Cool Waves & Fresh, Smoke-Free Air.
- Marine Life Thinks Your Cigarette Butt is Food. Please Don’t Feed the Seagulls.
- Welcome to Margate Beach, Where Salt Air Smells Better Than Second Hand Smoke.
- Respect the Beach Blanket Next Door. Please Refrain from Smoking.
Watch interview with Nick Russo, Mayor of Longport, about the new smoking ban on Longport beaches.
How to adequately enforce a beach smoking ban is the greatest challenge. Nobody wants to have lifeguards and police officers doling out warnings and tickets. Nobody should risk having to confront a puffing violator either. So, what to do?
According to anecdotal evidence, public education, self-enforcement and the good ole’ honor system seems to reduce beach smoking by over half. Eventually, NOT smoking on the beach becomes the norm, much like in planes or office buildings.
Margate Considers Smoking Ban JUNE 1, 2017Currently, if you get caught lighting up in a prohibited Longport location, you’ll face a fine for up to $250. Get caught a second time, that will be $500. Your bank account will be $1,000 smaller for each subsequent smoking offense.
Secondhand smoke and cigarette butts on the beach were the main culprits for Longport’s ban.
Beachgoers have complained of second hand smoke, discarded butts on beach, vaping and cigars. Second-hand cigarette & cigar smoke can be a problem. The carcinogenic has the uncanny ability to waft long distances along the beach.
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