The idea has been in the works for nearly a year, and on May 1 Ocean City, Md. will have a beach smoking ban just in time for tourist season. As part of the new legislation, smoking areas will be established but they appear to be few and far between as the resort town looks to clean up both the air and beach with the ban. The ordinance, which passed 5-0, requires smokers or users of vaping devices to stay within 15 feet of the designated areas, which are to be located near the back of the beach and equipped with ashtrays and trash receptacles. There is also a ban on smoking or vaping at or within 15 feet of bus stops and public parks. Smokers can be fined up to $500 for violating the law. Ocean City is located approximately 105 miles southeast of Baltimore and is home to just over 7,000 residents.
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