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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
World
Rita Sobot, Spain Correspondent & Milo Boyd, Travel Reporter & Nadia Breen

Spain travel warning as new rule introduced in 28 tourist hotspots

Holidaymakers have been banned from smoking on 28 beaches on the Balearic Islands in Spain.

Some beaches on Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca will be implementing the new smoking ban, reports the Mirror.

Travellers are being warned about the increase in "smoke-free zones" as part of a major plan by the Balearic Islands to improve people's health and slash the problem of cigarette butts being left on the sand.

Read more: Jet2 issues warning for travellers heading to some Spanish holiday destinations

There are no fines for those who are caught lighting up as the people behind the scheme are hoping to appeal to the public's sense of responsibility, reports the Mirror.

This is unlike similar schemes in the likes of Barcelona as it introduced fines last year for tourists caught smoking on the beach, the site added.

The beaches taking part in the scheme now have four-metre banners declaring their smoke free status with QR codes linking to extra information.

In Majorca, beaches with smoking bans include Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Santa Ponsa, Cala Estància, Cala Sant Vicenç and Caló des Moro.

In Ibiza, smoke-free beaches include Playa de Santa Eulalia del Río and Playa de Talamanca, while in Menorca these include Binissafúller or Platja Gran.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Consumption said: "The objective of the campaign is to create a network of healthy beaches, understanding the Balearic coast as a playful space for the enjoyment of outdoor activities that enriches the health of the people who come, promoting smoke-free spaces.

"Today, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Exposure to smoke from tobacco products has been shown to cause health problems similar to those caused by tobacco use."

Inés Sabanés, a Spanish lawmaker with the Más País–Equo coalition, told the Guardian: "On beaches where smoking is allowed, unfortunately cigarette butts continue to rank as the most found waste product and the one with the most significant impact."

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