British holidaymakers heading to Spain this year are being warned that smoking on certain beaches could result in fines of up to £1,679. Spain has implemented strict anti-smoking laws in recent years, with many beaches now designated as smoke-free zones.
According to reports, 28 beaches in the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Menorca, and Majorca, have banned smoking. In Andalusia, 53 beaches prohibit smoking, while the Canary Islands have 61 smoke-free beaches. Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol also have significant numbers of beaches where smoking is not allowed.
Barcelona was the first major city to ban smoking on its beaches, and now over 100 Spanish beaches have imposed such bans. The restrictions have been extended to vaping, with 10 beaches in Barcelona and 28 in the Balearic Islands banning e-cigarettes. Spain's government announced a ban on disposable vapes last October as part of an anti-tobacco plan.
Mike Byers, director of rechargeable vapes shop WickdUp, warned that those caught vaping on a beach could face fines of up to €2,000 (around £1,680). He advised tourists to use vapes only in permitted areas, such as open-air terraces of bars and restaurants, and to check local regulations before lighting up.
