Ministers rule out beach smoking ban despite Guernsey review

Thursday 23 January 2025

Ministers have confirmed they will not consider a smoking ban on Jersey's beaches – despite Guernsey's decision to review whether its smoking policy should extend to the coast.

A spokesperson for Jersey's Sustainable Economic Department confirmed that banning smoking on beaches was not currently under consideration.

It comes as Guernsey announced earlier this month that its Health & Social Care department was reviewing whether their smoking ban should be extended to include beaches.

The work across the water is in its early stages, meaning it was difficult for Deputy Lester Queripel, member of the Committee for Employment and Social Security, to suggest how a beach smoking ban would be policed.

Banning smoking on beaches is common in some European countries, such as Spain, and is also being considered in the UK as part of both health measures and environmental protection from discarded butts.

In Jersey, it is illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes, such as hospitality venues, public transport, and the hospital. Although beaches remain off the cards.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham previously stated his support for a beach smoking ban, describing discarded butts as a "plague on our shoreline" and a "danger to small children" in 2013 when he was Senator.

At the time, he said: "It's a scourge. It is revolting and bad for the environment and it is not safe for small children.

"I would support a smoking ban on our beaches, or designated beaches or even designated areas on beaches."

The Parish of St Helier also launched the 'No More Butts!' campaign in 2021, after officials noticed a rise in the number of cigarette butts being dropped on pavements and in the drains.

Used cigarette filters contain toxins that can leak into the ground and waterways, damaging living organisms that come into contact with them.

Most filters are discarded with bits of tobacco still attached to them, further polluting the environment with nicotine which is poisonous.

Fish sometimes mistake cigarette butts for food, and it takes around 12 years for their paper elements to break down. The filter, which is made of plastic, takes even longer.

Guernsey's Health President Al Brouard said an extended review was launched in the island in response to a survey from the Health Improvement Commission which asked for the public's views on tobacco measures.

"Public Health Services are undertaking a literature review while the results of the survey continue to be analysed," he said.

"Once these workstreams have been completed, the findings and recommendations will be presented to the Committee for its consideration.

"At present, as there are currently no plans to introduce a smoking ban on beaches, it is not possible to provide further information at this time."