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Council passes first reading of ordinance to ban smoking on public beaches, access ways and parking lots
Summary
At first reading the council approved amendments banning smoking on public beaches, beach access ways and parking areas to reduce litter and exposure; council members said enforcement would be complaint-driven and rely on signage and public education.
The North Myrtle Beach City Council approved, on first reading, amendments to Chapter 12 of the code to prohibit smoking on public beaches, beach access ways and associated public parking areas.
A council member said the ordinance is intended both to reduce cigarette-butt pollution and to avoid concentrating smokers at narrow beach access points. "If you're gonna include the beaches, I mean, you should include the public beach access ways and the parking lots themselves," a council member said while explaining the policy reasoning for including access ways and walkways.
Members acknowledged enforcement limitations and said implementation would rely mainly on signs, public education and complaint-driven enforcement rather than adding dedicated staff to patrol beaches. One council member noted the chamber would assist by notifying tourists about the no-smoking rules.
During public comment, speakers expressed a range of views: one asked how enforcement would work and whether designated smoking areas might be preferable; another said restrictions could push visitors elsewhere and urged common-sense implementation. The council passed the first reading by voice vote; further edits and a second reading will precede final adoption.
