Local Smoking Regulations To Be Tested

For years, smoking has not been allowed on Winthrop Shore Drive Beach since it is controlled by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) with their regulation. But now Winthrop has a regulation of its own that prohibits smoking and e-cigarettes (vaping) on Yirrell Beach and Donovan Beach because of second hand smoke dangers and other health issues.

The new regulations took effect on  May 1, and prohibit smoking in playgrounds, parks, beaches and athletic fields. Smoking and vaping are not prohibited within 25 feet of a municipal building. It is also not prohibited in bus stop shelters and waiting areas.

The fine for the first offence is $100, $200 for the second and $300 for the third and final violation within two years of the second violation.

The regulation is enforced by the Board of Health and its designees.

Susan Maguire, member of the Winthrop Board of Health, stated that the Board passed this new regulation to provide children, families and wildlife, a healthy environment; free of second- hand smoke/vape aerosol, litter from  toxic, discarded cigarettes and e-cigarette/vape pods.

“So all can enjoy our beautiful beaches right here in our backyard,” McGuire said. She added that the literature shows that…

There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health. Tobacco-free parks and beaches provide children and families healthy environments. 

Cigarette litter is poisonous to children and wildlife, and is the most littered item in the country.  Americans discard an estimated 175 million pounds of cigarette butts every year.  Studies show that cigarette butts are toxic, slow to decompose, and costly to clean up. 

E-cigarette/vape aerosol contains a mixture of dangerous chemicals and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. Candidates take out