Spain is the first country in Europe to ban smoking on all of its beaches after the government passed a new law following a public petition. This significant move is aimed at promoting cleaner coastal environments and enhancing public health.
Consequently, anyone caught smoking on a beach faces a hefty fine of €2000 ($USD 2258). Currently, similar bans are already in effect in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where smoking is prohibited on popular tourist beaches.
A Petition in Spain that Led to the Smoking Ban
The enforcement of this new law comes as part of broader efforts to reduce pollution along Spain’s 3000 miles of coastline. The law, which was passed on December 23, followed a substantial petition signed by 283,000 individuals demanding action to address the critical issue of beach pollution. Notably, cigarette butts contribute significantly to litter, posing a hazard not only to beachgoers but also to marine life, as they contain non-biodegradable plastic polymer. Moreover, The European Environment Agency has identified cigarette butts as one of the most common items found on European beaches, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Spain’s Other Bans on Smoking
In 2020, Spain took further actions to combat the spread of COVID-19 by prohibiting smoking in outdoor public spaces where maintaining a social distance of at least six feet is not possible. Additionally, Galicia, located in northwestern Spain, was the first region to introduce a ban on smoking in streets, bars, and restaurants. This initiative was later adopted on a national level by the country’s health minister.
Furthermore, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has set an ambitious target for the nation to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050.
