A SMOKING ban has been imposed on two popular beaches at a British holiday hotspot.
Tourists have been banned from smoking on parts of two popular Benidorm beaches.
4
The local council has declared that the “accessible” areas on Levante and Poniente beaches – known as the ‘Playas Accesibles’ sections – have been turned into smoke-free zones.
The beaches councilor, Mónica Gómez, justified the ban by explaining that these accessible beach areas have services that allow people with disabilities to enjoy the sand and sea “without barriers”.
The major crackdown would be a major blow to Madge, the chain-smoking, scooter-riding star of Benidorm.
The City Council signed an agreement with the Spanish charity AECC to carry out the initiative.
Gómez noted that smoking kills around 60,000 people a year in Spain.
She said: “It is, therefore, the responsibility of the authorities to look after the health and well-being of the people.”
She added that the new rule “will create an environment free from harmful cigarette smoke.”
The councilor argued that it is dangerous not only for the smokers themselves, but also for those who are close to them.
She said the city has put up posters indicating that the ban is “a health initiative to prevent cancer.”
The City Council is “studying expanding the regime to other municipal spaces”.
The total smoking ban is not the only rule in force on Benidorm’s beaches.
Tourists and locals are not allowed to set foot on the beach between midnight and 7am, and swimming and sleeping on the beach are frowned upon.
Anyone found breaking the rules is warned they could face hefty fines of between €750 and €1,200 (£640 to £1,025).
Other crackdowns include playing ball sports outside designated areas, with £100 fines expected.
There is no tolerance for overconfident swimmers, with anyone braving the tides while the red flags are rising risking an £860 fine.
Meanwhile, drinking alcohol on the sand can cost travelers a whopping £650.
4
4
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
