Senate Approves Bill Allowing Beach Smoking Bans

Publication Date: 2013-02-13

• Author:Derek Page
• Publication:ODU Mace & Crown

The Virginia Senate passed legislation with a 24-16 vote on Feb. 4 permitting localities to ban smoking in designated public areas.

Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, said his SB 1253 was inspired by a Virginia Beach civic league frustrated with cigarette debris on Chic’s Beach despite apparent “no littering” signs.

With the legislation, localities would be vested to take up ordinances prohibiting smoking at public parks, public beaches and other public recreational areas.  The bill specifies that signs will be posted in such locations but does not mention reparations for violators.

The bill will move to the House of Delegates, although, this year, anti-smoking bills have not been generally unsuccessful..