Rehoboth police: Smoking enforcement smooth so far

With 129 warnings issued from May 15-26, officials in Rehoboth Beach said the city's new smoke-free initiative has been a success so far, with smokers opting for voluntary compliance instead of tickets.

This winter, the Rehoboth Beach City Commissioners passed an ordinance banning smoking on the boardwalk, bandstand and parts of Rehoboth Avenue, and limiting it to designated areas on the beach.

Most warnings were issued in the boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue area, said Police Chief Keith Banks. The department only received one complaint, the rest of the warnings were initiated by officers.

Moving into the summer, the department will continue with its education-first approach, handing out brochures and informing visitors of the smoking regulations. If a warning is issued, the officer records the location and information about the smoker, to track problem areas and identify repeat offenders.

If necessary, because a smoker refuses to comply or becomes rowdy, the officer will issue a citation for $25.

"Our biggest thing is that we want to start out with education and warnings," Banks said. "Our main thing was never about giving tickets, (but) that doesn't mean we won't give out tickets."

So far the initiative hasn't been a problem for officers, and Banks doesn't see it becoming one.

"I really expected what I've seen," Banks said. "People comply after you've told them. Everyone's been pretty much cooperative."

Rehoboth Beach Patrol's Capt. Kent Buckson noticed several warnings being issued during Memorial Day weekend, but said any issues the Beach Patrol had were referred to the police department, which are responsible for enforcement.

"I still think there's an abundant amount of people out there who aren't aware," Buckson said. "It'll only get better as months go by."

During the debate surrounding the new ordinance, Commissioner Mark Hunker brought up concerns he had for businesses along the boardwalk that might lose customers as a result of the restrictions. But because of the way the the ordinance was set up, he said he has not seen any discernible difference for those businesses.

Hunker owns Jam Bistro and Eden on the beach block of Baltimore Avenue, and hasn't seen more people leaving the beach to smoke on the street, he said.

"The measures we put in were well thought of, measured out and allows people to vacation and relax and be who they want to be, just not on the beach," Hunker said.