Smoking ban on Scheveningen Beach: New rules for thousands of visitors!

Smoking ban on Scheveningen Beach: New rules for thousands of visitors!

The municipality of The Hague has decided to extend the smoking ban on Scheveningen beach, affecting thousands of visitors. To protect the environment and other beachgoers from the harmful effects of cigarette smoking, four smoke-free zones have been established. This includes the existing section as well as three new areas at the Seebrücke (pier), at Noorderstrand and at Zuiderstrand. The city is combining consistent environmental protection measures with the aim of reducing pollution from cigarette butts. Loud Ruhr24 The new ban is intended to result in fewer toxic cigarette residues lying on the beach. A test run in 2023 and 2024 showed that the number of cigarette butts in a smoke-free section of the sports beach fell significantly.

The tobacco residues pose a significant threat to the environment. They contain up to 4,000 harmful substances and can contaminate up to 40 to 60 liters of clean groundwater. Therefore, the new smoke-free zones are intended not only to ensure the cleanliness of the beach, but also to protect the health of the coastal region, which is part of the “Aanvalsplan Afval” (Anti-Trash Action Plan) and the “Actieplan Kust” (Coastal Action Plan) projects. A work of art from the “TrashUre Hunt” initiative is placed on every smoke-free section of the beach, consisting of collected trash, especially cigarette filters. This artistic performance aims to raise public awareness of the problem of pollution.

Global developments in the fight against smoking

The measures in Scheveningen are not isolated; Smoking bans are also being tightened in many other popular holiday countries. In Italy, for example, an almost complete smoking ban has been in effect in Milan since January 1, 2025, which states that smoking is only permitted at a distance of ten meters from other people. The fines can be up to 240 euros, although the ban only affects tobacco products, but does not affect electronic cigarettes. Many beaches in Italy, including Milan, Rimini and Bibione, are also smoke-free. In addition, there are strict regulations against taking sand with you in Sicily. The penalties here are correspondingly high.

Similar developments can be observed in Spain, where many beaches on the Costa Blanca, Villajoyosa and Barcelona are smoke-free. The fines vary from 30 euros to four-digit amounts, depending on the municipality. A new draft law even plans to ban smoking in additional places such as bus stops and near restaurants. Smoking on beaches is also banned in Portugal, and fines range from 50 to 500 euros. In addition, holidaymakers in France must expect a smoking ban on beaches and parks from July 1, 2025, which is aimed at protecting children. The costs for violations can be up to 135 euros.

The EU targets on tobacco consumption

The European Union is pursuing an ambitious goal: by 2040, there should be a tobacco-free generation in which less than five percent of the population smokes. Every year around 700,000 people die in the EU due to tobacco consumption, with many also suffering from the consequences of passive smoking. There are significant differences in tobacco consumption across the EU; While Sweden has almost reached the five percent target, around a third of the population in Bulgaria smokes.

In light of these trends, the municipality of The Hague is committed to a cleaner and healthier environment with its ban on smoking on Scheveningen beach, which benefits both visitors and nature. This move follows the global trend towards stricter anti-smoking regulations and raises awareness of the environmental impact of cigarettes.