Spanish authorities push for ban to 'denormalise' deadly habit on beaches

Authorities in a region of Spain beloved by British holidaymakers are pushing for a deadly habit to be banned. Public health officials in the northeastern autonomous community Catalonia (spelled "Catalunya" in the Catalan language which is dominant there) want smoking to banned at beaches so its not normalised among young people.

The region is known for its stunning beach resorts in Costa Brava, and regional seaside capital Barcelona. Its also home to the incredible natural beauty, like the majestic Pyrenees Mountains. Expanded nationwide curbs are in the works, with lawmakers hoping to outlaw smoking and vaping in various settings, including on the outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants, schoolyards, and university campuses, EU Today reports.

Mónica García, Spain's health minister said the measures, which are in the draft stage, will extend existing anti-smoking rules. Speaking to Radio Nacional de España (REN), she said she is "fully confident" the new measures will come into force by the end of next year, as per the outlet.

Currently in its draft stage, the proposed legislation would ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, schoolyards and in work vehicles.

But authorities in Catalonia want to go further, with its public health secretary Esteve Fernandez insisting: "It should not be expected for a child to think it is normal to smoke on the beach as if it were similar to swimming or playing with a ball," The Olive Press reports.

A ban on smoking at beaches is already in force in Barcelona, introduced in 2022.

Those in favour of the proposed broading of national smoking rules say prohibition is crucial for protecting public health, as per the outlet.

Smoking harms "nearly every organ of the body", Office for Health Improvement & Disparities warns. "It causes lung cancer, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease, as well as many cancers in other organs including lip, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, stomach, liver and cervix", and increases risks of other diseases.

Second-hand smoke can also be profundly damaging, putting people exposed to it at risk of the same diseases. It's particularly dangerous for children.

Discarded cigarette butts are also bad for the planet as they contain harmful chemicals, aren't biodegradable, and are believed to be the most littered item in the world.

A ban has been in place in Spain since 2011 prohibiting "smoking in collective spaces and indoor places open to the general public (bars, health centres, schools, companies, government buildings...)", according to Madrid's official tourism website.

However, it adds that currently "each bar and restaurant can choose whether to ban smoking on its outdoor terraces or not, so it's best to check with staff in advance".

Smoking is prohibited in outdoor spaces around educational centres (except universities), healthcare centres, areas cordoned off for children's parks, children's play areas and at airports is also prohibited.

Those caught smoking in authorised areas face fines range from €30 (£25.99) to €600 (£519.72).