Pevensey Bay is the latest to join the scheme, following the introduction of voluntary smoke-free zones at Camber Sands and Bexhill beach.
The initiative, launched by East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council, aims to protect the health of beachgoers, particularly children and young people, while also reducing environmental harm.
Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for adult social care and health, said: “We have seen how successful the voluntary initiative can be and hope that it will benefit Pevensey Bay, making people think twice before lighting up.
“Second-hand smoke is just as toxic outdoors as it is indoors, and we want to help create open spaces where children and young people are protected from harmful effects of smoking whilst they enjoy everything our coastline has to offer.”
The scheme is also designed to address environmental concerns. Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter and pose a threat to marine life.
They can take years to biodegrade and release harmful chemicals into the sea as they break down.
Pevensey Bay beach falls within part of the Beachy Head East Marine Conservation Zone, which protects rare and/or threatened species and habitats, including underwater chalk reefs, vulnerable blue mussel beds, short-snouted seahorses and cuckoo wrasse.
More information about stopping smoking is available at oneyoueastsussex.org.uk/programmes/stop-smoking.
Cllr Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for public health and asset management at Wealden District Council, said: “We are trialling this scheme at Pevensey Bay beach as we want to support people to stop smoking and protect residents and the area from the harmful effects of smoking.
“Our natural environment, including beaches, are an asset, and we need to ensure they are protected for everyone to enjoy.
“Not smoking at the beach will lessen the impacts on wildlife and the environment and we hope that people will voluntarily decide to not smoke at the beaches.”
Signage has been installed at beach entrances and in the Sea Road and North Road car parks to notify visitors of the smoke-free zone.
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