Catalan public health bids t0 ban smoking on beaches in future tobacco law

The Catalan public health secretary, Esteve Fernández, is bidding to ban smoking on beaches in the future Spanish law on tobacco. The ban would be part of the law, still in early stages, which plans to ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces.

Fernández, in an interview with news channel 3/24, said that "having state-based legislation such as the tobacco law, which probably will be presented in the upcoming months, allowing beaches without smoke, would be vital for regional and local authorities."

The draft law does not currently limit smoking on beaches despite proposing bans on university campuses, schoolyards, and even work vehicles; however, Fernández believes it is important to "denormalize" cigarettes on beaches as "they are a symbolic site."

"It should not be expected for a child to think it is normal to smoke on the beach as if it was similar to swimming or playing with a ball," Fernández said before adding that authorities want to "prevent smoking to have a healthier society."

Non-smokers on beaches are also exposed to tobacco increasing by 21% lung cancer possibilities and by 30% the risk of myocardial infarction.

Aside from the health factor, cigarettes also have an impact on the environment as they have highly polluting chemicals and take ages to decompose. In Catalonia, around 20 seaside municipalities already ban smoking on around 80 different beaches.

Barcelona is a smoke-free beaches municipality since 2022, although no fines were given during the first year in place.

In the past, the head of the Catalan public health had already said it was important to take "decisive action" and limit smoking in several open-space areas.