Butts On The Beach: Should Smoking Be Banned In Public Places?
Malta is known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. But all too often, our beaches are spoiled by the abundance of pollution and litter left by beachgoers, including countless cigarette butts buried in the sand.
https://www.facebook.com/camiappelgren2/photos/a.1343614659115860/1672321019578554/?type=3&theater
Discussions have recently opened up among local politicians, and even between members of the public, as to whether beaches should have their own designated smoking areas – with dedicated bins where people can dispose of their butts properly. The idea was recently brought up by Cami Appelgren, who created a poll on her Facebook page asking people whether smoking should be allowed ONLY in designated areas at beaches?
The results were pretty lopsided with the majority voting for smoking ‘only in designated areas’.
A few in the comments have even gone all out and suggested that smoking is banned from beaches, period.
The idea gained even more traction when politician Cyrus Engerer shared Appelgren’s photo and spoke positively about his experiences in Japan where similar measures have already been introduced.
But Japan aren’t alone. Korea, UAE, Australia and Italy are just a few of the many countries that have already introduced measures to restrict people from smoking in public places – including beaches.
So what do you think Malta? Will designated smoking areas help keep our beaches clean? Will it have a positive impact on our environment?
Let us know in the comments below.
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