Beachgoers Beware: Shocking Move to Ban Smoking and Vaping at Iconic Hampton Beach State Park
- State senator introduces bill to outlaw smoking and vaping at popular beach and park after constituent complains of secondhand smoke
- An estimated 1.6 million non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke die each year, according to the World Health Organization
- Ban would take effect January 1, 2027, with authorized officials directed to stop individuals from smoking, but no fines for violators
In a bold bid to protect the health and wellbeing of beachgoers, a state senator has introduced a bill to ban smoking and vaping at New Hampshire’s beloved Hampton Beach State Park. The move comes after a constituent complained of being exposed to secondhand smoke while enjoying a day at the beach with her child.
Debra Altschiller, the senator behind Senate Bill 596, revealed that the constituent’s plea to a group of smokers to put out their cigarettes and vapes was met with a rude response, prompting her to take action. “She asked the group to please put out their cigarettes and vapes, and they essentially told her to ‘pound sand’,” Altschiller said.
The proposed ban would take effect on January 1, 2027, and while violators won’t face fines, authorized officials will be directed to stop individuals from smoking. Altschiller believes that clear signage and education are key to changing the culture around smoking in public places.
“Culture change happens in our communities; I was a very young child and still remember how the ‘Keep America Beautiful’ campaign changed the culture around littering,” she said. “Change can happen — and education is the best way to keep it going.”
The World Health Organization estimates that 1.6 million non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke die each year, with no safe level of exposure to the toxic fumes. The risks include serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as coronary heart disease and lung cancer.
So far, feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people unaware that smoking was allowed in the park. “I would like for there to be signage and clear rules,” Altschiller said. “Most people will follow the parameters of beach rules because they want to enjoy the beach like everyone else.”