Tourists risk hefty fines for having popular holiday item on European beaches this summer
Holidaymakers jetting off to some of Europe's most popular beach resorts this summer could face fines of up to £1,700 if they're caught with one popular holiday item
British holidaymakers could be slapped with fines of up to £1,700 this summer if they're nabbed on the beach with one banned item. The restrictions will kick in from July 1 in France, while other favourite tourist hotspots like Spain and Italy have already enforced the ban.
In Britain, there are roughly 5.6 million vapers, according to data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), with many adopting the habit in an attempt to quit smoking. While we're accustomed to people vaping publicly and legally, Brits jetting off abroad could unknowingly rack up hefty fines on beaches where vaping is prohibited.
Numerous European countries, such as France, Barcelona, and Benidorm, are implementing stricter vaping regulations as reported by the Mirror, which can lead to severe penalties for tourists. These are the vaping regulations you need to be clued up on before your summer holiday....
France
From July 1, France will ban smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, schools, bus stops, and sports venues. This is part of a broader initiative that began in 2011 with a beach ban and has since expanded. Those caught flouting these laws could face fines of up to €135 (£115).
Spain
Spain has been notably proactive in expanding its smoke-free areas, often equating vaping with smoking. In 2024, the Spanish Medical Association introduced new anti-smoking regulations that also cover vaping in public spaces such as beaches and restaurant terraces.
Several popular Spanish beaches have implemented vaping bans, including L'Albir Beach in Alicante, Levante and Poniente Beaches in Benidorm, Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, and Bogatell in Barcelona, and Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia. Tourists caught flouting the rules may face penalties of up to €2,000 – a hefty sum amounting to around £1,700.
Greece
In Greece, EU Health Ministers approved more stringent anti-smoking policies in December 2024, introducing a ban on outdoor vaping areas such as beaches. Violators could find themselves facing fines of up to €500, translating to £420.
Italy
The situation in Italy is varied, with regulations dependent on the town or district. The beach town of Bibione in Veneto led the charge towards a smoke-free coast in 2019, with others following suit.
Major cities like Milan have clamped down on vaping in busy outdoor spots, imposing fines from €40 (£33) to €240 (£200).
Portugal
Portugal has moved to restrict vaping on its beaches as well, although the specifics might vary across regions, so holidaymakers are urged to familiarise themselves with local rules before visiting.
Sharing tips for those planning a getaway, Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club, remarked: "As vaping regulations continue to change, it's important for travellers to stay up to date with the local laws to avoid any unexpected fines or more serious consequences. Always check local legislation before you travel.
"This can be done through the foreign office website or the customs department of the country you're visiting. Some countries have strict rules not only about where you can vape, but also whether you can bring your vaping device into the country at all. It's worth doing a bit of research ahead of time to avoid issues at the border or during your stay.
"In some destinations, buying vaping supplies may be difficult and possibly even illegal. If it is allowed, bring what you need - but we would advise you to double-check import limits. If you are travelling to a vaping-friendly destination by plane, remember to pack your batteries and vaping devices in your carry-on luggage. This ensures they remain in a pressure-controlled environment, as they're not allowed in checked baggage."
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