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Smoking, vaping now banned at popular Georgia beach

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Starting this week, smoking and vaping will be banned at a popular Georgia beach.

WJCL News 22 reports Tybee Island passed the smoking ban by a 4-3 vote last month.

“We have heard from a lot of people on this issue and have taken all that into consideration,” Tybee Island City Mayor Shirley Sessions said.

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There are signs posted to let beachgoers know of the new policy.

There will also be a three-week grace period for warnings. After the grace period ends, people who break the rules can be fined up to $300.

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The ban is in an effort to reduce the number of cigarette butts on the beach.

WJCL News 22 says the city has been testing the smoking ban in certain areas of the beach over the last two years.

“I like many, many, many people, including this council are frustrated with the litter. Especially the cigarette butts,” Sessions said.

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