Smoking ban on Warnemünde beach: environment and holidaymakers in conflict!

Smoking ban on Warnemünde beach: environment and holidaymakers in conflict!

In Warnemünde, a popular beach destination in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, there are now clearly defined smoke-free zones, especially at beach entrance 12 near the Neptun Hotel. However, the topic causes discontent among beach visitors, who often do not know that smoking is prohibited in certain areas. This lack of awareness leads to increased waste, as cigarette butts left behind by smokers represent a serious environmental problem. Many guests feel disturbed by the unsightly legacy of smokers. To improve the situation, suggestions such as more signs, clearly marked smoking areas and more consistent controls have been put forward to increase visitor awareness and reduce litter on the beach.

In a broader context, it becomes clear that cigarette butts on the beach are not only a problem in Warnemünde. In Schleswig-Holstein, too, the debate about a smoking ban on beaches is becoming increasingly louder. The need for a smoking ban is being discussed in several tourist destinations, as spent cigarette butts are often not disposed of properly and are left in the sand. daily news reports a significant amount of trash collected daily by beach operators, with many operators handing out free beach ashtrays to their guests.

Environmental initiative and regional responsibility

Some coastal towns, such as Scharbeutz, Eckernförde and Föhr, have already designated smoke-free beaches. Eckernförde is particularly exemplary, as there has been a complete ban on smoking on the main beach since 2022. On Föhr, however, smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Despite these positive examples, there are no efforts to ban smoking in many other regions, such as Büsum and Sylt. The discussion is supported by environmental associations that have been calling for a smoking ban for years. Toxicologist Prof. Dr. Edmund Maser also points out the dangers of cigarette butts for the environment and health and suggests setting up smoking areas.

The personal responsibility of smokers is emphasized by tourism sites and environmentalists. The nature conservation association NABU Schleswig-Holstein appeals to guests to be careful when consuming cigarettes and not to unnecessarily pollute the environment. The strong focus on education and behavior change is a strategy seen by many as necessary.

In another remarkable piece of news, Rostock resident Thekla Wilkening has realized her dream home on the island of Hiddensee. She and her family have converted a holiday home in Neuendorf into their permanent residence while she plans to start writing while on maternity leave. A newly built seniors' residence will soon open in Rostock in the district, which will take care of the needs of older people. This residence, which consists of a renovated manor house, will offer 23 apartments and is scheduled to open in October.

In stark contrast to the current discussions about the smoking ban is the upcoming trial before the Neubrandenburg regional court, where four men have to answer for attempted manslaughter after they attacked two brothers. The incident shocked the community and will dominate headlines for the next few days.