A total of 28 beaches in the Balearic Islands have introduced a smoking ban as part of efforts to improve health and become smoke-free zones, while the new changes have also been introduced to tackle the problem of cigarette butts in the sea and sand, as people don’t dispose of them properly.
Similar measures were introduced in Barcelona last year, with tourists risking being fined if caught smoking cigarettes on beaches, and there are already beaches in the capital of Tenerife where smoking is forbidden.
According to a report in the Mirror, holidaymakers will not be subject to fines if caught on Balearic beaches but they are being warned regarding the new changes through five-metre banners, including a QR code to permit people to access additional information regarding the new rules.
According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health, the main purpose of this campaign is to create a network of healthy beaches and to treat the Balearic coast as a playful area for the enjoyment of outdoor activities that promote smoke-free spaces, and enrich the health of those who come to these destinations.
“Today, tobacco use is among the leading causes of preventable disease and deaths worldwide. Exposure to smoke from tobacco products has been shown to cause health problems similar to those caused by tobacco use,” they said.
“Four trillion tobacco filters are littered every year in countries worldwide, with a large number of them ending up in the oceans, thus bringing significant consequences for marine wildlife”. Cigarette butts continue to rank as the most found waste product and the one with the most significant impact.”
Last year, authorities in Spain reimposed the 30 euro fine for anyone caught smoking on famous tourist beaches, while stressing that an information campaign regarding the issue would be implemented starting later this month.
They also emphasised that a new anti-smoking law which is being drafted this year is expected to ban smoking in more places, including in private cars because people just throw butts out of the window.
