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North Myrtle Beach council adopts ban on smoking on public beaches after debate on enforcement
Summary
On a 2nd-reading vote the North Myrtle Beach City Council approved an ordinance banning smoking on public beaches, with councilmembers citing litter and child-safety concerns while residents raised enforcement and private‑property access questions.
The North Myrtle Beach City Council approved a second‑reading ordinance amending Chapter 12 (Health and Sanitation) to prohibit smoking on public beaches, after council debate about waste, safety and enforcement.
At the meeting Mayor Baldwin opened consideration of the ordinance and councilmember (speaker 9) urged the ban as an environmental and child‑safety measure, saying, “When I did the beach sweep, 90% of what I picked up were cigarette butts.” Several other councilmembers agreed the measure would keep beaches cleaner and protect children and wildlife.
Councilmembers also discussed practical enforcement and transition steps. One council member suggested creating a designated smoking area off the beach with ashtrays and trash cans to minimize litter and provide an option for visitors who smoke. Mayor Baldwin noted the ordinance would not take effect immediately and that the city would undertake an education period for residents and visitors before enforcement begins.
During public comment, resident Dale Grimsley of Fox Holloway questioned how the city would enforce the ban across a large beach area and whether police could realistically patrol the length of the shore. Pamela Gibson of South Ocean Boulevard, a homeowner adjacent to a beach access, warned that a prohibition without nearby alternatives could push smokers onto private property. John Griffiths of Cherry Grove said the purpose of the ordinance is to state community expectations and that enforcement is secondary: “Like any law, people are going to break it, but the majority of people… will do the right thing.”
The council voted on the ordinance at second reading; the mayor announced, “Ayes have it,” and the ordinance was approved. The council recorded no detailed roll‑call votes in the public transcript; individual member votes were not named on the record. The mayor said staff would follow up with education plans and implementation timing before enforcement begins.
