Irish holidaymakers visiting Spain this summer are being warned they could face a hefty fine if they are caught smoking on a beach in Barcelona.
The new laws came into effect on July 1, which means that anyone caught smoking on any of the city's beaches will be fined €30. The new law was introduced after a pilot project last year which saw smoking banned on four of the city's 10 local beaches.
According to the city website, the pilot project saw the amount of cigarettes butts left on the beach greatly reduced, which prompted the new law to be introduced.
Read more: Irish tourist hospitalised after plunging from hotel in Majorca
While Barcelona is one of the first Spanish cities to ban smoking, three beaches in the resort hotspot of Majorca have also introduced a smoking ban.
Cigarette butts have become a major cause of coastal pollution and in December 2021, Spain passed a law that permitted local municipalities to fine smokers on the beach up to €2,000.
The Balearic and the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Galicia and Valencia also have partial or total bans of smoking on their beaches, with smoking only allowed in certain designated zones on the beach.
Meanwhile, Irish tourists are also being warned that there are other strict rules in effect and on most public streets in Spain you must be covered up to a certain degree. On the streets of Barcelona and Majorca, police are known for fining tourists €300 per risky clothing choice.
Once tourists hit the beach, they are allowed to wear swimwear, bikinis or swim trunks and even sunbathe topless in most regions. However, on the walk to and from the beach holidaymakers are required to cover up.
Men are not allowed go shirtless, and bikinis, swimshorts and other clear swimwear are prohibited on public streets in Spain. Irish tourists are recommended to check the local laws of any towns and cities in Spain they visit this summer.
Read next:
- Holidaymakers in Spain could be hit with big fine under strict new beach rules
- Spain sees massive Covid surge as health minister gives update to tourists
- Spain holiday warning as Irish tourists could be fined for wearing bikinis or going shirtless
- Spain holiday spots that locals want to keep a secret from Irish tourists
- How to easily spot Irish tourists on holidays
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