PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS AND THE MINISTRY FOR HEALTH AND ACTIVE AGEING: Cleaner beaches in 2026 with smoking ban from 1 January

Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) and Ramla l-Ħamra beaches to have designated smoking areas

As announced earlier this year, from 1 January 2026 smoking will be prohibited on two of the most popular beaches in the Maltese Islands, except in designated areas within the beaches themselves.

Smoking will be banned on two beaches — Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) in Malta and Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo — except in the designated smoking zones on the beach.

Signs at the entrances to each beach will inform the public that smoking is strictly prohibited unless it takes place in the designated smoking areas. These areas will be clearly marked with signs.

The smoking ban will be enforced by the police as well as by wardens from the Local Enforcement Systems Agency (LESA) and officials from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Environmental Health Directorate (EHD), and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

Anyone who breaks the rules of smoking in the areas where smoking is prohibited on these two beaches will result in a fine of €150 — no warnings will be issued.

Through this system, smokers will still be able to enjoy the beach without disturbing others. Containers will be placed in each smoking area to help keep the beach clean.

Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli stated, “This initiative clearly emerged from several meetings and discussions I had with children. It is a concrete environmental measure aimed at addressing a persistent problem, namely cigarette butts that end up on the sand and in the sea and take many years to decompose. These butts cause serious harm to the marine ecosystem and sea life. Through this pilot project, we are taking an important step towards a cleaner and healthier coastal environment. This is another example of how we are working in a concrete way to protect our maritime environment."

For his part, the Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, expressed his satisfaction with the prohibition of smoking on a number of beaches. Dr Abela explained that this measure will help achieve three very important goals: safeguarding the lives and health of the Maltese and Gozitan people, protecting the natural heritage of our country, and preserving the environment. “I am confident that this measure will help and be beneficial to citizens' health when they visit these beautiful beaches," concluded Minister Abela.

Kevin Mercieca, ERA Chief Executive Officer said, “Designated smoking areas allow us to better protect the coastal environment by reducing waste and plastic pollution that damage our marine ecosystems."

Photos: MEEC