Hampton Beach Smoking Ban Proposed for Sand Areas Starting in 2027

A New Hampshire lawmaker wants to snuff out smoking at one of the state's most popular beaches.

State Sen. Debra Altschiller has proposed banning smoking on the sand at Hampton Beach.

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Altschiller, who represents Hampton, testified to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee that a constituent requested her last summer to introduce an "Act prohibiting smoking in Hampton Beach State Park." 

If enacted, the legislation would ban smoking on the sand without fines or penalties and require new signage noting the smoking ban. This legislation, however, would not affect smoking on Ocean Boulevard sidewalks. Current beach bans already cover pets, drones, alcohol, and tackle football. Smoking is already banned in non-sand areas, such as the Seashell Stage and picnic zones.

"Cigarette butts are the most littered item found during organized beach cleanups," Altschiller said in a statement shared with CBS Boston WBZ-TV. "Our beaches are not meant to be ashtrays."

According to CBS Boston, Hampton Beach is a busy tourist destination during the summer. It receives approximately 150,000 visitors annually during the Fourth of July holiday.

If the bill is enacted by 2027, New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources projections warn of an approximately $50,000 annual drop in State Park Fund revenue due to lower visitation.