Buenos Aires deputy proposes smoking ban on all provincial beaches

Juan Martín Malpeli, a deputy for Fuerza Patria in the Buenos Aires province, has introduced a bill to prohibit smoking on all maritime and riverside beaches. The proposal aims to protect the health of swimmers, workers, and non-smokers, while also reducing pollution caused by cigarette butts and other tobacco waste.

The legislation seeks to unify a heterogeneous regulatory landscape created by various coastal municipalities that have already implemented individual smoke-free zones. If passed, the law would apply to all districts with coastlines, state or municipal tourist units, beach concessions, public sectors, and coastal access points.

Under the proposed rules, municipalities could designate smoking areas covering up to 10% of a beach's surface. These areas must be located at least 50 meters away from playgrounds, beach nurseries, first aid stations, and main pedestrian entrances. Additionally, smoking zones must be clearly signposted and equipped with wind-resistant receptacles for cigarette butts every 100 meters. Local districts would be granted the authority to enforce the regulations and issue fines for violations.