The city council of New Smyrna Beach in Florida has banned cigarette smoking and vaping in city parks, but cigar smoking will be allowed. While some could view this as hypocritical and inconsistent, I personally kind of like the idea. Cigarette smoking and vaping are the problems, not cigar smoking. It's usually a different type of person and a different type of dynamic, the individuals who smoke cigars. (Some might also see this as a bit snobbish, sort of analogous to banning beer but allowing wine) Allowing cigars also softens the harshness of this restriction by theoretically allowing a loophole out. Smoking is not completely banned, individuals who want to smoke would just have to choose a cigar. (But in reality we know they would be unlikely to, and this would greatly dissuade them from smoking so much) It's creative ideas like this that are good public policy. Something also tells me there is likely a member on that city council who occasionally enjoys smoking a fine cigar from time to time. New Smyrna Beach bans cigarette smoking and vaping in city parks, cigars still allowed , James Tutten, WFTV.com, January 29, 2025
