The mayor of the Italian island of Capri has issued a smoking ban on all beaches. Smoking is only allowed in specially designated areas, and fines of up to 500 euros are possible for violators.
The regulation signed on Friday also prohibits the abandonment of any tobacco product waste, i.e. cigarette butts, anywhere on the island.
As explained by the Capri commune authorities, these regulations were introduced in the interests of “dignified appearance, quality of life and public health”. It was also noted in the regulation that scientific studies indicate that “environmental pollution as a result of smoking on the beach may be greater than that recorded in areas with heavy traffic”.
Smoking is prohibited on beaches
The Capri authorities explained that the smoking ban is all the more necessary because the people at the seaside are particularly vulnerable to its effects, i.e. pregnant women and children.
Fines for breaking the bans range from 25 to 500 euros.
Capri joins other Italian seaside towns, including Riccione on the Adriatic Sea, which ban smoking on beaches.
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