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Spain tourists hit with new beach rules in major crackdown | World | News

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Holidaymakers planning to head to a popular city in Spain will be faced with new beach rules that will come into effect by 2026. San Sebastian, located in Basque Country, and renowned for its beautiful bayfront promenade and world-class restaurants, is taking steps to protect its beaches, making them cleaner and calmer.

The council has announced a plan that involves a smoking ban on all the city’s beaches, an effort to limit noise from music and speakers, and new rules for pet owners. The measure is based on a local law that regulates waste and contaminated soils, Euro News reports.

A study by AZTI, a Spanish non-profit focused on the marine environment and food sectors, found that cigarette butts make up 30% to 50% of the waste collected on the beaches in Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian’s capital.

Inigo Garcia, diversity, inclusion and environment councillor, said: “This updated regulation responds to clear social demand and seeks to improve coexistence, environmental quality and collective wellbeing.”

The proposed plan would make San Sebastian the second Basque destination to ban smoking on all its beaches, following Zarautz, whose ordinance came into force on October 7.

Other changes include a new time when dogs will be able to access the beaches. Previously, dogs were only allowed on public beaches between September 1 and May 30.

Now, in the new plan, dogs will be able to access the beaches from 9pm to midnight, before beach cleaning begins, in an effort to provide residents and tourists with a quieter and safer daytime environment, while allowing dogs to enjoy the sand in the evening.

Noise pollution is also being tackled by regulating the use of loudspeakers, music players, and other sound devices on the beach. 

According to the council, the guidelines were initially just suggestions, but after an increasing number of complaints, formal rules became necessary.

The rules are expected to be fully implemented by June 2026 in time for the next summer season.

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