A seaside jaunt is one of the best ways to enjoy breathing in a lungful of fresh air, and now it seems the air at our beaches may get even cleaner. For the first time in Britain, a beach in Wales is imposing a beach smoking ban.
E-Vaping Included in Beach Smoking Ban
Little Haven beach in Pembrokeshire has installed no-smoking signs on the sand in a year-long experiment that aims to make the beach a healthier and cleaner place to be. Litter from smoking can pollute the coast and discarded cigarette butts that end up in the sea may be ingested by marine life. Smoking on beaches may also pose a potential fire risk. Campaigners at Little Haven are also hoping that the smoking ban, which includes e-vaping, will help to discourage young people from taking up the habit.
The new signs show children in a cartoon format standing on a beach, with the caption ‘thanks for keeping our beach smoke free’. Although Little Haven beach is hoping these news signs will encourage smokers not to flout the ban, it can only be enforced voluntarily. If someone breaks the ban, they are not breaking the law and won’t get issued with a fine.
New smoking ban sign at Little Haven Beach
Campaigners at Little Haven beach, however, are confident that most people will be happy to adhere to the ban. A recent survey has highlighted that well over 50% of adults believe that smoking should be banned in communal areas, such as beaches and parks.
If this voluntary ban proves effective, it could pave the way for more seaside spots to follow suit by imposing a ban themselves. If you are looking to get some fresh air with a trip to the seaside, be respectful of any signs imposed to protect your health and safety and always check the tide times before you go.
