Well, darn

Wrightsville Beach has apparently decided against banning smoking on the beach. I was really hoping this would go through, and that WB would set a precedent for other beach communities. Oh, well.

Instead, the WB Board of Alderman have decided "to raise the fine for littering, including those who drop cigarette butts.

"The fine is going from $100 to $250."

The board heard from about a dozen supporters and opponents and Mayor David Cignotti then asked for a show of hands. More than 30 people favored the ban, and about 10 people opposed it.

But Alderwoman Susan Collins said she wanted to tighten the litter ordinance by handing out more tickets instead of banning smoking.