Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
‘SMOKE-FREE’ flags were raised on Calpe’s main beaches on Tuesday to symbolise the start of a recently-introduced smoking ban.
All beaches and coves within the Alicante Province municipality are covered by this rule, but there are two designated smoking areas for those visitors who crave a cigarette.
By the end of this week, they will be on La Fossa Beach. Plaza Mediterran at Arenal-Bol and Plaza Colon in front.
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To avoid the sand being covered with cigarette butts, tourists can obtain reusable ashtrays from information centers.
Butts account for around 15% of the waste collected on beaches. They also pose a threat to marine life.
Calpe’s environment councillor, Pere Moll, said that butts are one of the main pollutants of marine eco-systems as ‘just one butt contaminates 500 litres of seawater’.
The purpose of the ceremony was to inform residents and visitors about the new regulations.
This initiative completes a project that began last year with the establishment of smoke-free areas at three main beaches within the municipality: La Fossa Beach, Arenal-Bol Beach, and Cantal Roig.
The council is hoping that this move will mark a new step in the direction of Cleaner, healthier and sustainable coastline.
Health councillor, Itziar Doval stressed the importance to protect beachgoers’ welfare.
Doval stated, “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the beach in a safe environment without risking their health.”
Calpe followed Villajoyosa’s lead and banned smoking on its beaches this year. L’Alfas del Pi did the same with Albir, the main beach.
