Smoking Ban on Hawaii's Beaches

Seaside cigarettes will be prohibited from January 1, 2014, while lighting up in parks, swimming pools and bus stops will also be outlawed. The ban will be preceded by a campaign to increase awareness among locals and tourists about the new rules. It will be enforced by beach lifeguards, with offenders facing a fine of $100. A statement from the Hawaii Tourist Board said the move would allow holidaymakers to “truly enjoy and relax in a healthy and beautiful smoke-free environment”. It is hoped the ban will prevent non-smokers from breathing second-hand fumes, as well as lessen the number of cigarette butts left on the shore. Last month a similar policy was proposed by Marisol Touraine, the French Minister of Social Affairs. Smoking was abolished in closed public spaces – bars, restaurants and similar – in 2008; an extension could extend the ban to beaches, parks, university campuses, outside school gates and inside bus shelters.Anthony Peregrine reported on widespread opposition to the plan for Telegraph Travel. A number of states in the US, including New York and California, have already imposed smoking bans on outdoor spaces, such as beaches. Smoker’s paradises Places where you can still smoke indoors Austria – still permitted in certain restaurants and bars Czech Republic – permitted in bars and restaurants Romania – smoking bars exist Russia – no ban in restaurants and cafes until July 2014 Japan – some local laws prevent it, but still widely permitted United States – 10 states, including Texas, still permit smoking in indoor public places Africa – several countries, including Cameroon, Malawi and Chad, still allow smoking Indonesia – banned in Jakarta and Bali, but permitted elsewhere China – ban in enclosed spaces, but not widely enforced