Smoking will be prohibited on two of the Maltese Islands’ most popular beaches from 1 January 2026, as part of a new environmental and public health measure announced earlier this year.
The ban will apply to Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) in Malta and Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo. Smoking will only be permitted within clearly designated smoking zones located on the beaches. Outside these areas, smoking will be strictly prohibited.
Authorities said signs will be installed at the entrances to both beaches to inform visitors of the rules, while designated smoking areas will be clearly marked. Containers will also be placed within these zones to collect cigarette waste and reduce littering.
Enforcement will be carried out by the police, wardens from the Local Enforcement Systems Agency (LESA), as well as officials from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Environmental Health Directorate (EHD), and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). Anyone caught smoking outside the designated areas will be fined €150, with no warnings issued.
The government argues that the measure strikes a balance between environmental protection and personal choice, allowing smokers to continue enjoying the beach without negatively affecting others.
Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli said the initiative was driven by concerns raised during discussions with children and addresses the ongoing problem of cigarette butts polluting beaches and marine environments. She described the measure as a concrete step towards reducing waste that can take years to decompose and causes serious harm to marine life.
Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela welcomed the prohibition, stating that it serves three key objectives: protecting public health, safeguarding the country’s natural heritage, and preserving the environment. He expressed confidence that the measure would have a positive impact on the health of beachgoers.
ERA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca said designated smoking areas would help authorities better protect coastal environments by reducing waste and plastic pollution that damages marine ecosystems.
The two-beach initiative will serve as a pilot project, with its effectiveness likely to be assessed ahead of any potential extension to other coastal areas.
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