A popular Italian island has implemented new measures which will affect UK tourists.
Authorities on Capri have banned the smoking of tobacco products, like cigarettes and vapes, on its beaches, according to local news website Wanted in Rome.
While the ban only prohibits smoking on the island’s beaches, locals and holidaymakers could also be fined for dropping cigarette butts and dead vapes on the ground, drains and in the water.
Even though the measure hopes to transform the popular Italian island into a smoke-free destination, designated smoking areas will be installed on the island’s beaches.
Fines ranging from £22 to £430 for violations will be issued to anyone seen flouting the ban.
Francesco Emilio Borrelli, deputy of the Greens and Left Alliance in the Italian Senate, applauded the initiative, saying: “A necessary measure, it should be extended to all the beaches in the country and all the cities of Campania.”
He emphasised the importance of the ban, saying: “For years, we have been fighting for more stringent rules against pollution caused by cigarette smoke and the lack of smoker education. Particularly under umbrellas, smoke pollution can exceed that recorded in a high-traffic car area.”
“In summer, we will patrol the beaches of Naples giving away ashtrays to teach citizens to be respectful of the environment and others’ health.”
Meanwhile, other beaches in Italy are bringing in measures to minimise the impact of tourists on their shores.
In Sardinia, only 1,600 people can visit Cala Sisine Beach, while Santa Maria Navarrese Beach only permits 1,300. Fewer still are able to visit Cala Mariolu Beach, with only 550 people allowed in per day and each having to pay an 86p fee.
Elsewhere on the island, Pelosa Beach has banned towels and asked visitors to instead bring mats which gather less sand. Anyone visiting will have to pay £3.