BRITS gearing up to soak up the sun in Spain have been warned of a new smoking ban on some of the country’s most popular beaches.
Tourists are barred from lighting up on 28 hotspots across Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca.
AlamyBrits have been warned not to smoke on 28 Spanish beaches[/caption]
AlamyThe ban includes Platja Gran beach in Menorca[/caption]
It comes amid an effort to crack down on cigarette butts plaguing busy beaches.
Authorities are also hoping to make areas smoke-free zones to improve the health of locals and holidaymakers alike.
The ban includes Ibiza’s Playa de Santa Eulalia de Rio and Playa de Talamanca while in Menorca smokers will have to resist in Binissafuller and Platja Gran.
Meanwhile in Majorca, the ban will be in place in Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Santa Ponsa, Cala Estancia, Cala Sant Vicenc and Calo des Moro.
Signs have popped up along the coastline showing smokers where they have a puff – and where they can’t.
It follows a similar ban implemented in Barcelona last year, with smokers facing fines if they light up on any of the city’s 10 beaches.
But unlike the rules in Barcelona, fines will not be dished out in Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca.
Authorities are instead appealing to the “social responsibility” of tourists.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Consumption said: “The objective of the campaign is to create a network of healthy beaches, understanding the Balearic coast as a playful space for the enjoyment of outdoor activities that enriches the health of the people who come, promoting smoke-free spaces.
“Today, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide.
“Exposure to smoke from tobacco products has been shown to cause health problems similar to those caused by tobacco use.”
It comes as Brits heading to Palma have been warned of a major crackdown on tourists in the city.
Authorities are looking to stamp out excessive boozing and will flood the Majorcan capital with cops within days.
Officers will be patrolling around the clock to tackle antisocial behaviour, with the operation lasting from next Monday until October 15.
The extra police officers are being readied to clamp down on rowdy holidaymakers and slap fines on venues breaking rules.
According to authorities, some of the main issues are illegal massages, street vending, street drinking, pub crawls and noise pollution.
Meanwhile, officials in Benalmádena, in Costa del Sol, have announced that two popular beaches are expected to remain closed until July due to improvement works.
The local council said it will be closing the Torrebermeja and Las Gaviotas beaches as works will be carried out on the Malapesquera breakwater.
The two beaches will be shut during the week, but reopen over weekends.