Barcelona bans smoking on all of its beaches in strict new rule as British tourists heading to Spanish city are warned of £25 fines
- Brits heading for holiday in Barcelona could be fined for smoking on the beach
- Pre-pandemic more than 18 million Brits a year heading to the country each year
- Barcelona introduced a smoking ban on every beach in the city from today
- Tourists were warned they will receive £25 fines if caught breaking the rules
Brits heading for a summer holiday in Barcelona will be fined if they smoke on the beach.
The UK is one of the leading sources of tourism for Spain, with more than 18 million Brits a year heading to the country before the pandemic.
Barcelona has introduced a smoking ban on every beach in the city from today with tourists warned of £25 fines if they break the rules.
The city said: ‘This ban is based on environmental protection and the right of citizens to enjoy a clean public space, free of smoke and cigarette butts.’
Brits heading for a summer holiday in Barcelona could be fined for smoking on the beach. Pictured: People cool off in the water during warm weather on a beach in Barcelona, on June 19
A pilot scheme last year led to a huge reduction in rubbish left on beaches, including cigarette butts.
Cigarette butts are one of the most harmful pollutants, containing a non-biodegradable plastic polymer that releases toxic compounds.
Analysis done by the European Environment Agency in 2018 found cigarette butts and the filters inside them to be among the most commonly found items on Europe’s beaches.
The harm done by cigarette butts has been widely reported, with scientists warning that nicotine, metals and benzene contained within them may seep out.
This can contaminate soil and aquatic habitats, with filters also being a serious risk to marine life, as they can be swallowed by animals.
Other regions in Europe have also moved to ban smoking on beaches, including some areas of southern France and Sardinia.
Although Barcelona is one of the only cities to enforce a blanket ban on smoking on the beach, it could be a policy rolled out across the whole country.
A law passed last year that allowed councils to fine offenders up to £1,700.
There are already some places in Spain that ban smoking on beaches.
Majorca’s Santa Ponsa, La Romana (Paguera) and Carregador (Palmanova) all have bans with £1,700 fines in place.
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