Summer is right around the corner and it comes with some news. Some municipalities in Italy will ban smoking in beaches. An ecological and responsible choice to be spread further.
How many times, walking along astonishing coasts, our feet have stumbled on annoying cigarette butts? At least once, to anybody. Well, we’re about to say goodbye to this unpleasant – and polluting – problem, in some Italian beaches. Below you can find some of the locations where to go sunbathing without worrying anymore about smoking fog and simply enjoy the sun.
Veneto and Sardinia lead the smoke-free way in Italy
The first municipality that has officially banned smoking from its beaches in 2019 is Bibione, in Veneto. Not far from the Venetian lagoon, this smoke-free beach is one of the most visited locations in summer indeed for its proximity to the famous Venice.
Bibione beach, smoke free from 2019. Ph by S.I.B. Fotos, via Flickr
On the same path, many towns and cities around Sardinia are setting the prohibition. The experiment was pivoted already last year by the municipality of Stintino, applied to the astonishing and famous La Pelosa beach: thanks to the regulation, its golden sands were much more clean at the end of the season. The mayor claimed that installing three smoking areas near the lidos allowed to collect around 140 thousands of cigarette butts, the 80% of which would have surely ended up along the coast otherwise. Thus, this year the prohibition will be expanded to all the beaches of the area.
“La Pelosa” beach in Sardinia is smoke-free. Ph via Flickr
The “Catalan pearl” of Sardinia, Alghero, is probably going to implement the ban as well. The process is harder to carry on in the seaside villages of Orosei and Golfo Aranci, because of the extreme length of the beaches and the several access points to them, which are very hard to control.
It also seems like this provision has awaken the green souls even of the most addicted smokers, generating a large consent and very few sanctions.
We hope that, as time passes, many more beaches could get rid off this problem, so that the only things on which to stumble could be simple, beautiful shells. If you want to experience an holiday at the seaside finally free from those annoying cigarette butts, give a glance to the Ecobnb in Sardinia and get ready for the summer!
Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia. Ph via Wikimedia Commons
Cover image: “La Pelosa” beach, ph by Arianta, via Flickr.
In 2016, in Italy, a smoking ban in all public buildings, offices, and restaurants was passed (decreto legislativo n. 6/2016). Although smoking is not prohibited in public parks, beaches, outdoor dining areas, and other open spaces, some municipalities and establishments are setting their own rules.
In 2016, 293 beaches and 66 marinas were awarded the Blue Flag. Although every region with coast access has blue flag beaches, regions that usually have the highest number are Liguria (Italian Riviera), Le Marche, Tuscany and Campania. A few blue flag beaches are on lakes, too.
A free beach – spiaggia libera – is usually signposted. It generally consists of a narrow stretch of beach close to the nearest road access, and is identifiable by the absence of beach infrastructure, (regimented sunbeds etc.) and by the presence of clusters of sunbathers lying on towels.
The law prohibits smoking in most enclosed places, including indoor workplaces and indoor public places. However, the law allows designated smoking rooms if the designated smoking rooms comply with strict technical standards.
On public beaches, don't leave your umbrella overnight to hold your spot. This is an “illegal occupation of public land”, as is overnight camping. You could be fined up to 516 euros or spend up to six months (!) in jail.
The Italian state officially owns 100% of the coastline, but regions have devolved powers to lease their share in concessione- in concession to privately-owned beach clubs or stabilimenti balneari.
For Goods purchased outside the European Community, or purchased in Duty Free shops the following allowances apply for travellers arriving in Italy from outside the European Community: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 2 litres of table wine or 1 litre of alcohol.
ISS, 30 May 2022 – Almost one Italian out of four (24.2% of the population) is a smoker: after a long stagnation period, this year we are witnessing a 2% increase. In fact, smokers were 22% in 2019, the last year a survey was carried out before the pandemic.
In Italy, the legal drinking age is 18, and alcohol consumption among minors is widespread. Italian families introduce alcohol to minors during meals in moderation, fostering an appreciation for quality beverages. Social acceptance of moderate underage drinking under family supervision exists.
Throughout the airport smoking areas are available:
in Terminal 1 departures area on the airside, in the restaurant area (upper level) in boarding area A31-A59, near gate A 51 and between gates A47-A49. in boarding area C, near gate C 08.
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