Brighton could become the first city in the UK to ban smoking on the beach.
Councillors in the popular seaside resort are considering plans to outlaw smoking in a bid to make it a healthier destination for visitors.
Locals are set to give their opinion on a potential ban as part of a public consultation later this month.
The ban, which would also include parks, would significantly increase the number of zones in the city which are currently smoke-free.
There is already a voluntary ban on smoking in 42 of the city’s children’s playgrounds.
Studies suggest children are particularly at risk of developing respiratory infections and asthma from inhaling second-hand smoke.
Councillor Daniel Yates, chair of the council's health and wellbeing board, said: “The health benefits of smoke free areas and protecting children from second-hand smoke are well established.
"We’re keen to keep people safe from the effects of smoking in public areas, especially children who are most vulnerable."
If approved by councillors on July 21, a public consultation could be held on the issue for 12 weeks from July 22.
Dr Tom Scanlon, Director of Public Health, said: "Several US states have adopted legislation to limit outdoor smoking in certain settings such as cafés, parks and places where there are children playing.
"The time is right to have the debate in Brighton & Hove as to whether we wish the same here.”
But pro smokers' group Forest condemned moves to introduce a ban, saying it was "unnecessary and unjust."
Director Simon Clark said: "Smokers should smoke responsibly, with consideration for others around them, but extending the smoking ban to open spaces is unnecessary, unjust and another attack on individual freedom.
"There's no evidence that smoking in the open air is a risk to the health of anyone other than the smoker."
He added: "Nor is there evidence that the sight of a stranger lighting up encourages children to smoke."
