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Over the last decade, smoke-free beach initiatives have expanded across Spain, including many coastal municipalities in Catalonia, Cantabria and the Valencian Community. These initiatives aim to protect beach users from second-hand smoke exposure, reduce cigarette litter and promote healthier and more sustainable public spaces. While their adoption has grown steadily, there is still limited evidence on how these policies are implemented in practice, how they are perceived by citizens and whether they achieve their intended public health and environmental objectives. Understanding their real-world impact is therefore essential to inform future policy development and support effective implementation.
In this context, the Tobacco Control Unit (UCT) of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) launched a study to evaluate smoke-free beach policies along the Barcelona coastline. The research assesses implementation processes, public awareness, acceptance and compliance, contributing valuable knowledge on how environmental health measures can support healthier coastal environments.
Preliminary findings were recently presented at the Healthy Beaches Conference 2026, organised by the Barcelona Provincial Council. Early results indicate growing public support for smoke-free beaches and highlight their potential to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke while improving the quality of recreational coastal spaces.
Beyond tobacco control, these initiatives contribute to broader environmental goals by helping reduce cigarette-related litter and encouraging healthier behaviours in public settings. By generating evidence on both implementation and public acceptance, the study provides useful insights for municipalities and public health professionals seeking to create healthier living environments through local action.
Lluís Pascual i Vidal
Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencian Community (Fisabio), Spain