Cities Ban Smoking on Beaches, Boardwalks Amid Health Concerns

Several U.S. locations are implementing stricter smoking bans to improve public health and environmental quality. Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury will prohibit all smoking, including e-cigarettes and vapes, inside the park starting May 17, 2025, while providing a designated smoking area outside the entrance and banning marijuana use entirely. Atlantic City is cracking down on illegal marijuana and cigarette smoking on its iconic boardwalk, with increased police enforcement supported by a $3 million grant, aiming to reduce the pervasive smoke smell and improve visitor experience. Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has enacted a ban on smoking and vaping on the beach sand, imposing fines up to $250 for violations, though it controversially exempts unfiltered cigars, a move criticized by some as favoring certain demographics. Supporters of these bans highlight the environmental damage caused by cigarette butts and the negative impact of smoke on public spaces, while some opponents argue that enforcement should focus on other issues or that these rules infringe on personal freedoms. Overall, these measures reflect growing efforts by communities to balance public health, environmental protection, and visitor satisfaction.