Should smoking be banned on British beaches?
Brighton Beach could become the first beach in Britain to ban smoking. The city council will vote tomorrow on the decision.
Smoking is one of Brighton’s leading causes of premature death, and the proposed smoke-free areas are the places where children are most likely to be present.
The proposed plans appear designed to make the places like parks and and beaches, often very busy during school holidays, a safer place for children to play.
But pro-smoking lobby group Forest said the proposed move would not be fair and feel it is an ‘attack on personal freedom’ .
Director Simon Clark said: ‘Smokers should smoke responsibly, with consideration for others around them, but extending the smoking ban to open spaces is unnecessary and unjust.’
What are your views? Should smoking on beaches be banned? Should the bans be extended to other public outdoor spaces? Is this an attack on personal freedom?
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We don't tolerate swearing, and reserve the right to remove any posts which we feel may offend others... let's keep it friendly!
This element of control is beginning to get out of hand.
Either smoking is dangerous or not!
Alcohol is dangerous as people are not aware of their actions but people still drink Alcohol!
Smoking does not define a person.
A parent on the beach enjoying time with their family ......Well done they deserve a cigarette. It is not a confined space.
Children are more at risk sitting in cars from exhaust fumes!
I like the idea of banning it from beaches as our local beach, which is popular, is covered in dog ends and dog muck - but that's another matter.
Whilst I appreciate only a certain element of smokers disgustingly throw their packets around nearly all, when away from an ashtray" leave their cigarette butts on "the floor" for someone else to clean up.
Hospitals should be the first to ban smoking anywhere within their grounds.
No, it is not ok to smoke in close proximity to another person, but out in the open? Then ban everything that causes harm especially car fumes that do much more damage. Let's be realistic here.
.........and at the end of the day, you could always move......