As of a month ago, it appeared smoking at both public beaches and parks in Oregon would become illegal in 2015. As of yesterday, beaches appear to remain a place to enjoy a cigar. The state Parks and Recreation Department announced that it is abandoning that plan to ban smoking at its public beaches. “If we can accomplish those goals without a rule that would be difficult to enforce, we should try that first,” said spokesman Chris Havel of the state Parks and Recreation Department. He went on to tell several news outlets that while the ban hasn’t been completely ruled out for some point in the future, the department is looking at trying education first instead of a ban that has proved difficult to enforce given the 362 miles of coastline. Smoking in most areas of Oregon State Parks will still be outlawed on Jan. 1, 2015 with fines ranging between $60 and $110. Havel said that public comment had been split on the proposal regarding beaches. While the department won’t recommend the prohibition to the state’s Parks and Recreation Commission, it is that panel that ultimately decides the department’s rules.
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