Rehoboth installs no-smoking signs

Smoking is officially banned in Rehoboth Beach parks and tot lots, no ifs, ands or butts about it.

The city posted no smoking signs at six city parks and at tot lots and has also installed additional cigarette disposal urns, thanks to a $5,600 grant from the state Division of Public Health with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Rehoboth passed its smoking ban in city parks in April.

Commissioner Stan Mills said, “Discarded butts create litter, pollute the environment and, if not fully extinguished, pose a significant threat of fire. Smoking poses significant health risks not only to the smoker but to all, including children, that inhale secondhand smoke.”

Other beach communities to pass smoking bans include Bethany Beach, Lewes and Milton.

Deborah Brown, president and chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic, said, “Providing smoke-free outdoor areas is another way we can protect the health of our residents and visitors.”

Banning smoking in city parks, if nothing else, makes life easier on those that have to clean up the mess.

Public works director Mel Craig said, “Our department prides itself on the cleanliness of our city and parks. It would be nice to not find any carelessly discarded cigarette or cigar butts in our parks. Hand-picking up butts is labor intensive and diverts our time from more productive jobs.”