Starting in December, Mar del Plata will take a decisive step towards creating… Smoke-free beaches. After three years of gradual implementation, the regulations governing coastal spaces will come into effect effectively. Punishing those who smoke outside permitted areas Within private health resorts, public beaches and distinctive spaces.
This measure arises from Decrees No. 20,104 and 25,845, which included in the coastal concessions the obligation to mark smoking areas and define boundaries. Smoke-free areas Installing containers to dispose of cigarette butts. Until now, compliance has been based on information campaigns and spa adaptations, but without financial fines.
Fines of up to half a million pounds
As the penalty period enters into force, violators may face fines ranging from 0.15% to 1.5% of the equivalent of 100 municipal minimum wages. Taking into account the September 18-hour municipal minimum wage ($339,328.21), Penalties range from $50,899 to $508,992.
The list covers private spas, the Punta Mogots complex, financial tourism units and regional concessions. The local executive also reserves the possibility of extending the ban to all public beaches, a decision that has not yet been announced..
A summer with controls, but with questions
Even though the season is nearIt is still unclear what the inspection scheme will look like. The municipality has not confirmed whether controls will be implemented by its inspectors, whether they will act on complaints from third parties, or whether concessionaires should intervene directly. It has also not been determined how sanctions will be applied to tourists who do not stay in General Poiridon.
Beyond these operational lapses, mandatory signs have already been observed in spas indicating prohibited areas and sectors where smoking is permitted. This slogan must be reinforced from December, when official controls begin.
International trend
Restrictions on tobacco consumption in entertainment venues are multiplying around the world. Singapore only allows smoking in areas where there are giant ashtrays installed on public roads; Chile bans smoking on beaches, rivers and lakes. The Maldives directly bans the sale and consumption of tobacco to those born after 2007; In France, a ban on smoking in public places used by children has already been imposed, with widespread social support.
Milan this year added a complete ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces, as part of a long-term environmental and health policy.
Cigarette butts: the most common pollutant on the coast of Buenos Aires
One of the main arguments for the Mar del Plata regulations is the environmental impact of tobacco on the coast. Studies conducted by researchers at Conicet revealed Thousands of cigarette butts in a few days of survey in Mar del Plata and Villa Gesell. A single cigarette butt – made of cellulose acetate and more than 90 chemicals – can pollute up to 1,000 liters of water and takes about 18 months to break down into sand.
The latest regional census of coastal marine litter confirmed that cigarette butts are present Plastic waste is the most abundant on the beaches of Buenos Aires, It represents approximately 20% of the total waste found.
Cultural change still generates resistance
The decision to impose a fine on those who do not respect the licensed areas sparked controversy on social networks and local media. However, the municipality stresses that the goal is to move towards the responsible use of public spaces, reduce coastal pollution and protect the health of residents and tourists.
Thus, the 2025/2026 season will be… The first test to measure whether the city is able to take a firm step towards cleaner beaches Smoking is banned in one of the most important tourist destinations in the country.
Measures in other spa towns
In Villa Gesell, various citizen initiatives seek to reduce the impact of cigarette butts on the coast, one of the most polluting wastes in the marine ecosystem. Among them, the work of municipal guard Mariano Maico Benazo stands out, who daily cleans the dock area where he performs his duties and has designed a small barn next to his box so that visitors can place plastic bottles, glass, cans and lids there.
Their proposal, which arose spontaneously in response to the accumulation of waste, is a pilot experiment that has already allowed them to conserve Clean up the sector and promote more responsible habits at the beach.
Another initiative appreciated by the community is the one promoted by the El Náutico resort, where the Buenos Aires and Playa-based Juguera exchanges a cup full of cigarette butts for juice. The simple but effective proposal has positively surprised tourists and residents, and has managed to remove a large number of cigarette filters that pollute the sand and water. Both the municipality and the residents themselves celebrate these measures that contribute to spreading environmental awareness and encouraging active participation in keeping the beach free of waste.