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Saturday, June 10, 2017

Smoking Tickets Jump In Resort’s Early Season

OCEAN CITY — After a clear directive was issued for the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) to begin aggressively enforcing the town’s smoking ordinance, a significant spike in citations has been seen this early season.

Three years ago, the Mayor and Council approved an ordinance banning smoking on the Boardwalk and on the beach except in certain designated areas. In the first year, the approach was to educate residents and visitors on the law change and direct them where to legally light up.

In the second year, the council issued a directive in the midst of the summer season to step up enforcement with the learning curve over and the number of citations spiked up late last summer.

This spring, the council instructed the OCPD to adopt an even more stringent approach to enforcing the smoking ordinance and the department has responded with a spike in citations. During Monday’s meeting, a private citizen questioned the enforcement of the smoking ordinance.

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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was on the side of the smokers for a long time but I am happy with the smoking ban. Tired of seeing cig butts all over the ground and the smell.

Anonymous said...

Thank you. Keep going after those polluters. I don't want to die because of second hand smoke and I especially don't want my kids to die!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, doubt you're going to die from someone smoking on the beach. Now the butts they leave behind are nasty.

Anonymous said...

Not all smokers throw their butts everywhere. People your kids aren't gonna die from second hand smoke. They are way too many other issues at the beach to worry about. Those kids that you don't want to die from second hand smoke are the ones that will grow up and keep adults from wanting to visit that "resort" town!

Anonymous said...

we used to be free

Anonymous said...

Did not know OC had smoking Police like a meter maid / person, unbelievable. Smoking now is a greater crime than pick pockets, stealing, robbing, rape, assaults and I could go on. Police I thought had a more responsible job than this lowly position.

Anonymous said...

OMG you'll die of stupidity long before second hand smoke gets you!

Anonymous said...

Stay home and do whatever you like on vacation. Ocean City doesn't care about your enjoyment, just your money. As a matter of fact, even OC would rather you stay home and just send them your money. That way you won't bother them, they won't have to do anything for you, and they'll get your money for nothing in return. That would suit those tax and spend bureaucrats just fine. If they could fine you, or tax you, for breathing their air, they would.