Maltadaily.mt

Smoking To Be Banned On 2 Local Beaches As Of January 1st

Smoking To Be Banned On 2 Local Beaches As Of January 1st
Environment

Smoking will be prohibited on two of the most popular beaches in the Maltese Islands from 1 January 2026, except in clearly designated smoking areas.

The ban will apply to Ramla tal Mixquqa, commonly known as Golden Bay, in Malta, and Ramla l Ħamra in Gozo.

Smoking To Be Banned On 2 Local Beaches As Of January 1st

Signs will be placed at the entrances to both beaches informing visitors that smoking is strictly prohibited outside the designated zones.

The smoking areas will be clearly marked and equipped with containers to collect cigarette waste, allowing smokers to continue using the beach without disturbing others.

The ban will be enforced by the police, wardens from the Local Enforcement Systems Agency, and officials from the Environment and Resources Authority, the Environmental Health Directorate, and the Malta Tourism Authority. Anyone caught smoking outside the permitted areas will be fined €150, with no warnings issued.

Smoking To Be Banned On 2 Local Beaches As Of January 1st

Environment and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said the initiative emerged from discussions with children and was designed to tackle the problem of cigarette butts polluting sand and sea.

She said the butts take many years to decompose and cause serious harm to marine life.

Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the measure would protect public health, safeguard natural heritage and preserve the environment. ERA chief executive Kevin Mercieca said designated smoking zones would reduce waste and plastic pollution along the coast.

#MaltaDaily