HOLIDAY makers and residents of Weymouth have said they disagree with the idea of a smoking ban on beaches.

The comments come after the results of a survey state that the majority of people in the South West think beaches should be a non-smoking zone.

According to a survey commissioned by the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service, more 60 per cent of people from the South West think local beaches should be non-smoking zones during the holiday season.

Its findings also show that one in five people would travel further to visit a smoke free coastline.

According to the survey, a large percentage of people also think there should be smoking restrictions in playgrounds, outdoor restaurants, and parks.

The survey comes off the back of the news that Brighton councillors are looking to enforce a smoking ban on the beach.

Bournemouth councillors have also been discussing a similar idea.

But Weymouth’s holiday makers and residents have said that they disagree with the idea.

Sean McGreath, 24 and Jody Pepperell, 23, were visiting Weymouth from Oxford.

The two smokers said that enforcing smoking on the beach would mean that smokers come less often.

Sean said: “Weymouth beach is nice as long as you put your litter in the bin. I don’t think there’s a problem with smoking outside.

“I don’t think it would stop people going to the beach altogether but they wouldn’t go to the beach as often.

“I think beaches should have designated smoking areas. It would work but people wouldn’t be happy about it.”

Jody said: “I think you should be able to smoke on the beach as long as you put your ends in the bin.”

Mark and Kelly Hills, two non smokers from Kent, said that the pollution from the vehicles on the adjacent road emitted more pollution into the air than cigarettes.

Mr Hills, 47, said: “There are buses and lorries and they’re polluting the place anyway.

“If you were stood on the beach, in a wide open space the smoke wouldn’t affect you.”

Brian, 63, and Adrienne, Walker from Leeds are both non smokers.

Mr and Mrs Walker said that they thought beaches should be entirely smoke free.

They said that the idea of smoking and non-smoking sections to the beach would not be ‘practical’.

Mr Walker, 64, said: “I agree with the ban, I don’t think a person smoking on the beach is nice.

“The idea of dividing smokers and non smokers is not practical.

“But I think we should ban smoking altogether.”

Alan Collins who owns Hedley’s of Weymouth along the beach front said: "People should respect other people’s wishes and if someone is smoking and you don’t like it don’t go and sit next to them.

“Likewise if you see a family don’t go and smoke next to them.”

Cllr Ian Bruce said: "The issue has not been raised with Dorset councillors.

"We will wait for the demand of a non smoking section to the beach before we discuss it further."