Spain’s Balearic Islands Introduce Smoking Ban On Tourist Beaches
Cigarette butts are among the biggest problems plaguing Spain’s coastlines. For this reason, the country has been gradually introducing smoking bans on beaches. The latest in the battle against the butts is the beautiful Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca.
Spain introduces smoking ban on beaches
In an effort to save the marine environment, Spain has been gradually introducing a smoking ban on its beaches. In fact, Barcelona was the first major city in Spain to do so, but since then, a further 115 Spanish beaches have banned smoking.
The latest to join the smoking ban is the gorgeous Balearic Islands, nestling off the Spanish mainland in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, 28 beaches across Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca now operate as “smoke-free zones” partly to improve public health. However, it is also hoped that the smoking ban will tackle the problem of cigarette butt pollution.
A total of 28 beaches across Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca will now operate as “smoke-free zones” as part of a major plan to improve public health. Additionally, the introduction is hoped to tackle the problem of cigarette butts littering the sand and the ocean. In fact, anyone caught smoking on the sand in a prohibited area elsewhere in Spain will receive a hefty fine.
However, so far, the Balearic Islands will not impose fines on vacationers, hoping to appeal to the public’s sense of responsibility.
Where do the new rules apply in the Balearics?
Island authorities are installing 4m (13ft) banners on the beaches in question to warn tourists of the ban. Moreover, a QR code is included for the public to access additional information on the new rules.
Among the no-smoking beaches are popular spots like Playa de Santa Eulalia del Rio in Ibiza
In Mallorca, smoke-free beaches include Sa Platgeta, Sant Joan, Cala Estancia, Santa Ponsa, Calo des Moro and Cala San Vicenç.
About the smoking ban in Spain
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Consumption said:
The objective of the campaign is to create a network of healthy beaches, understanding the Balearic coast as a playful space for the enjoyment of outdoor activities that enrich the health of the people who come, promoting smoke-free spaces.
Today, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Exposure to smoke from tobacco products has been shown to cause health problems similar to those caused by tobacco use.
According to National Geographic, a massive 4.5 trillion tobacco filters are littered each year, with many ending up in the oceans with deadly consequences for precious marine life. They leach nicotine and heavy metals before turning into microplastic pollution.
Smoking bans in restaurants and bars
During the COVID-19 pandemic, smoking bans were levied on restaurants, bars and their outdoor terraces in Spain as it was thought the virus could be passed by cigarette smoke. However, now the pandemic is over, there is no sign of those smoking bans being lifted as yet.