Golden Bay and Ramla l-Ħamra beaches to get smoking areas come January 1
€150 fine for those caught smoking outside smoking zones
Smoking will only be allowed in designated areas on Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) and Ramla l-Ħamra beaches come January 1.
Signs at the entrances of the two beaches will inform the public that smoking is strictly prohibited unless it takes place in the designated smoking areas, which will, in turn, be clearly marked with separate signs.
The smoking ban will be enforced by the police, Local Enforcement Systems Agency wardens and officials from the Environment and Resources Authority, the Environmental Health Directorate and the Malta Tourism Authority.
There will be designated smoking areas on both beaches. Photo: DOI#Anyone who breaks the smoking ban will be fined €150. No warnings will be issued, the government said in a statement on Monday.
“This initiative emerged from several meetings and discussions I had with children. It is a concrete environmental measure aimed at addressing a persistent problem, namely, cigarette butts that end up on the sand and in the sea and take many years to decompose." Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said.
"These butts cause serious harm to the marine ecosystem and sea life. Through this pilot project, we are taking an important step towards a cleaner and healthier coastal environment. This is another example of how we are working in a concrete way to protect our maritime environment.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the smoking ban will safeguard people's lives and health, protect the natural heritage and preserve the environment.