Possibility of extending smoking ban to beaches being reviewed

Thursday 09 January 2025

Health & Social Care will consider whether or not to widen the smoking ban to include beaches.

The review work remains in its early stages, leaving it unable to answer specific questions posed recently by Deputy Lester Queripel around how it would be policed.

Banning smoking on beaches is common in some countries, for instance Spain, and is being considered in the UK, as part of both health measures and environmental protection from discarded butts.

"The Health Improvement Commission conducted a survey earlier this year asking the public's view on various tobacco control measures, including a potential smoking ban on beaches among other things," said Health President Al Brouard in his response to Deputy Queripel's written questions.

"Public Health Services are undertaking a literature review while the results of the survey continue to be analysed. Once these workstreams have been completed, the findings and recommendations will be presented to the Committee for its consideration.

"At present, as there are currently no plans to introduce a smoking ban on beaches, it is not possible to provide further information at this time."

Deputy Queripel had asked how any ban would be policed, what the fine would be, whether there could be a court case and any associated costs.