Starting January 1, 2026, Golden Bay in Malta and Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo will have designated smoking areas, as part of a pilot project to reduce tobacco-related litter and promote healthier lifestyles. The Smoking Control on Beaches Regulations, 2025, aims to protect people from passive smoke and create a safer environment. Smoking will be banned in most areas of these popular beaches, except in clearly marked zones. This move is an extension of Malta’s existing ban on smoking in public places, including public transport, indoor areas, schoolyards, and playgrounds.
The introduction of smoking areas is expected to balance the needs of smokers and non-smokers, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier coastal environment. The government emphasizes that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to promoting public health and reducing tobacco-related illnesses.
