Open Space, Beach Commissions Oppose Newport Public Smoking Ban Plan

Newport could ban smoking on public beaches and in parks, but members of the Open Space Commission and the Newport Beach Commission are urging local leaders to snuff out the plan.

The City Council on Wednesday will consider an ordinance that would outlaw smoking in those public spaces, citing the terrible effect on public health and the toll on the environment.

It has been proven that second hand smoke causes cancer. And just ask any volunteer with Clean Ocean Access how many cigarette butts they pluck from the sand during each of their cleanups across Aquidneck Island. They’ll give you a mouthful.

According to the ordinance, “cigarette butts are the top pollutant on beaches,” and “if uncollected, may wash directly into ocean waters to the detriment of marine life and all ocean users.”

Cigarette butts do not biodegrade and contain a slew of chemicals.

The ordinance would outlaw smoking cigars, cigarettes, or other tobacco-related products “on or within any beach or public park owned, operated, maintained or managed by the City of Newport.”

The ordinance would also penalize anyone caught flicking a butt onto the ground.

Despite the obvious reasons for a ban, which is being considered in communities across the state (and enacted in some places around the country), there are possible negative side-effects, according to two prominent city commissions.

In a letter to the City Council, William Steeves, a member of the Tree and Open Space Commission, said that the commission does not support the resolution. He cited concerns ranging from the challenge of enforcement to a potential negative impact on tourism.

“As an alternative,” Steeves wrote, “the Commission recommends the purchase and placement of additional, more attractive cigarette disposal units and the enforcement of the existing litter ordinance to address the cigarette butts.”

The same text was sent in a letter from Charles W. Wright, chairman of the Newport Beach Commission.

Other concerns include the potential for “sign pollution,” or, more signs being erected to warn of the smoking ban, and conflict with the “free use of public sidewalks” and “free use of public beaches.”

Acting City Manager Joseph J. Nicholson prepared the resolution after a Sept. 2014 City Council directive ordering the city manager to explore the idea. That demand also suggested the Cliff Walk Commission along with the Tree and Open Space Commission be involved in those talks.

Nicholson said in a memo to the City Council that the Cliff Walk Commission has not submitted a formal statement if they support it or not.