At today’s work session for the Board of Selectmen, the issue of smoking at the town beach was discussed. A few residents have complained and would like to see this banned. The board discussed options including having designated smoking areas either near the entrance gate or near the double gates at the end of the beach near the covered bridge. There are currently disposal cans for cigarette butts, but these are not effective, especially since most of the waste appears outside of normal operating hours.
Janette Stewart voiced her opinion that smoking should be banned. We agree. Having designated smoking areas does not alleviate the problem of having to breathe second hand smoke. While it is true, as Dan Golden pointed out, the chance of developing lung cancer in an open area is remote, having to smell cigarettes is still offensive to many. A smoking area near the entrance gate means that those passing by will have to “run the gauntlet” to get into the beach. Dan also reminded the board that a ban would be impossible to enforce, especially after hours, so why bother. While perhaps true, this is a false argument. The same could be said of many laws. The speed limit on Main Street is 30 MPH. Unless there is a police presence, the law is broken repeatedly on a daily basis. Does that mean that we should abandon the law? The town passed an ordinance to prohibit dogs on the ball field. How is that enforced? If people still bring their dogs to the ball field, should we abandon the ordinance?
The State, indeed the nation, is moving toward banning smoking in public areas. The Town of Ashland should follow the State’s lead. There is no reason to continue to allow smoking on the town beach.
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