HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

In an effort to improve health and create smoke-free zones, a total of 28 beaches across Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca have introduced a smoking ban.

The changes have been made to tackle the problem of cigarette butts in the sea and sand. Similar measures were introduced in Barcelona last year, with tourists risking being fined if caught smoking cigarettes. However, in this instance, holidaymakers will not be subject to fines if caught on the Balearic beaches. Instead, tourists are being warned through five-metre banners that include a QR code to permit people to access additional information regarding the new rules.

The smoking ban campaign is aimed at creating a network of healthy beaches, understanding the Balearic coast as a playful area for the enjoyment of outdoor activities that promote smoke-free spaces, and enriching the health of those who come to these destinations, according to a spokesperson for the country’s Ministry of Health and Consumption. They added that tobacco use is among the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide, with exposure to smoke from tobacco products causing health problems similar to those caused by tobacco use.

The new smoking ban on Balearic beaches comes as a response to the alarming statistics regarding the impact of tobacco waste on the environment. Over four trillion tobacco filters are littered every year, and many of them end up in the oceans, causing significant harm to marine wildlife. According to Spanish lawmaker Inés Sabanés, cigarette butts are the most common form of waste product found on beaches where smoking is allowed and have the most significant impact. Tobacco waste is known to contain 7,000 toxic chemicals that poison the environment, making the smoking ban an essential step towards protecting the Balearic coast and promoting healthier and cleaner beaches.

Last year, authorities in Spain reimposed the 30 euro fee for all those holidaymakers smoking on famous tourist beaches while stressing that an information campaign regarding the issue would be implemented starting in April. It was also emphasised that a new anti-smoking law, which is expected to impose a ban on smoking in private cars, would be fully drafted by this year.

The new smoking ban will affect several beaches, including Playa de Santa Eulalia del Río and Playa de Talamanca in Ibiza, Binissafúller or Platja Gran in Menorca, and Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Cala Estància, Cala Sant Vicenç, Santa Ponsa, as well as Caló des Moro in Majorca.

Although tourists will not be fined for smoking on these beaches, the campaign aims to educate and encourage smokers to respect the new rules and help promote healthier and more sustainable tourism in the area. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Consumption also highlighted the fact that cigarette butts are a significant environmental hazard, as they can take up to ten years to degrade and release toxic chemicals into the environment.

The smoking ban is part of a wider movement in Spain to reduce smoking rates and promote healthier lifestyles. In 2019, the Spanish government approved a new anti-tobacco law, which introduced measures such as plain packaging for cigarettes, restrictions on advertising and sponsorship, and a ban on smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants.

The government has also introduced a range of initiatives to help smokers quit, including free nicotine replacement therapies and psychological support. These measures have helped to reduce smoking rates in Spain, which are now among the lowest in Europe.

In addition to the smoking ban, the Balearic Islands have also introduced several other measures to promote sustainable tourism and protect the environment. These include a ban on single-use plastics, the promotion of cycling and public transport, and the protection of natural areas such as beaches and marine reserves.

Overall, the smoking ban on Balearic beaches is an important step towards promoting healthier and more sustainable tourism in the area, and reducing the environmental impact of smoking. By raising awareness and encouraging smokers to respect the new rules, the campaign will help to create a network of healthy beaches and promote the Balearic coast as a destination for outdoor activities and sustainable tourism.

Sources

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/spain-introduces-smoking-ban-on-28-popular-beaches/
https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/holiday/beaches/2023/04/08/111983/mallorca-beaches-smoke-free-beaches-2023.html