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Smoke-free Beaches

Cleaner coastlines. Healthier public spaces. Less cigarette litter.

ASH Wales supports action to reduce smoking and cigarette waste on beaches across Wales, helping councils and communities create cleaner, more welcoming coastal spaces for everyone.

Why beaches?

Beaches are shared public spaces used by families, visitors and local communities. Cigarette ends are a persistent form of litter, and visible smoking can make tobacco use feel like a routine part of places where children play and people spend time outdoors.

Smoke-free beach approaches can combine clear signage, local engagement and litter prevention to support cleaner environments and help denormalise smoking.

Cut cigarette litter

Cigarette ends are small, easy to miss and difficult to remove. Reducing smoking on beaches can help tackle a stubborn source of coastal litter.

Protect shared spaces

Clear smoke-free expectations can make beaches feel cleaner and more family-friendly, with less exposure to smoke and smoking behaviour.

Support local action

Councils and communities can use local evidence, signage and public engagement to build support for smoke-free coastal spaces.

State of Our Beaches

Our report brings together evidence and policy recommendations on smoking, cigarette litter and smoke-free approaches on Welsh beaches. It is aimed at councils, decision-makers and organisations interested in cleaner, healthier coastal environments.

Planning local action?

If you are a local authority, community group or partner organisation looking at smoke-free beaches, we can share evidence and learning from our work in Wales.

Explore more ASH Wales resources

Find research, campaign materials and practical resources from across our tobacco control work in Wales.