Taking a Breath of Fresh Air: Smoke-Free Beach Expansion in MV
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Broadening Smoke-Free Areas on MV's Coasts due to Public Health Concerns - Expanding Smoke-Free Areas on Beaches Across MV
The breeze off the Baltic Sea may soon get even fresher as tourist destinations in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern eye smoke-free zones on their sandy shores. That's according to the state's tourism association. Leading the charge is the smoke-free beach pioneer, Göhren on Rügen, where the practice has been in place since 2010.
Alexander Stein, administrator of Göhren's tourist office, shares, "Creating non-smoking areas is a hit with families who rent our beach chairs." However, there's currently no talk of expanding the smoke-free beach sections. It's a topic that stirs up heated discussions every season.
Paving the Way: Göhren on Rügen
Back in 2009, tourists made their wishes known, and the most popular choice, at 32%, was the introduction of smoke-free beach sections. Consequently, in 2010, signs marking two non-smoking areas popped up, with ashtrays provided all around. Göhren was one of the first places in Germany to establish such zones, says Stein.
Birgit Hesse, president of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern tourism association, acknowledges the potential benefits of non-smoking beach sections. However, the state's stance on the matter is mixed.
Take, for example, the Binz bay, where a healthy and family-oriented coexistence is prioritized. Five active beach areas and three large family beaches operate smoke-free, providing a haven of relaxation for athletes, families, and those craving fresh sea air, sans cigarette smoke. Signs at the beach entrances indicate the designated non-smoking areas.
Not Everywhere's a No-Smoke Zone
In Boltenhagen, Rerik on the Mecklenburg Baltic coast, and on Usedom, there are no non-smoking zones. Instead, ashtrays are provided. And there are areas where the designation of non-smoking beaches has been withdrawn, like in Koserow.
The fallout from France's smoking ban in public places can be seen in Prerow, where the local council is set to discuss smoke-free beach sections at their next meeting.
Each municipality has the power to decide on beach regulations within their jurisdiction, determining the kind of beach experience they wish to offer and the types of visitors they wish to attract, according to Hesse. Yet, complaints about smoke pollution on beaches remain low.
The community policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern could potentially include the expansion of smoke-free zones on beaches, following the lead of Göhren on Rügen. In alignment with this health-and-wellness initiative, more beaches may prohibit smoking to cater to families and individuals seeking a fresh, smoke-free atmosphere.
Despite the growing support for smoke-free beaches, the decision to implement such a policy remains at the discretion of each municipality, as they strive to offer diverse beach experiences and attract various types of visitors.
