Maximilien Carlier 9:52 a.m., July 10, 2022
Grilling one, feet in the sand, it's over since this Saturday, July 9.
As in Marseille or Nice, in Le Touquet, in Pas-de-Calais, it is no longer possible to smoke on the beaches.
This decision was taken by the municipality in order to limit pollution: a first on the Opal Coast.
On the dike, before arriving on the beach, there are signs with a cigarette crossed out in red.
“Tobacco-free beach”, can we read.
Since this Saturday, smoking is prohibited on the beach of Le Touquet, in Pas-de-Calais.
A measure already implemented in other cities, such as Marseille or Nice, and welcomed by Xavier who is building a sandcastle with his children.
80% of beach litter is cigarette butts
"I have a 5-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl. When I see them with a cigarette butt in their mouths, it's not possible. In my opinion, that's what had to be done", admits this family father.
Especially since 80% of beach waste is cigarette butts according to the municipality which adopted this decision.
"A cigarette butt takes 12 years to degrade. It can pollute 500 liters of water, that's huge. We want to avoid polluting and contribute to better health on the beach", explains Denis Caloin, first deputy of the common.
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Fine of 38 euros
The other goal is to avoid passive smoking, except that smokers only half understand this decision.
"I can understand this ban because of the cigarette butts, but for the smoke, I don't agree. We are outside, in the open air, there is plenty of room. We are not disturbing anyone. We are not in the South, on top of each other", insists this smoker.
The fine is 38 euros for recalcitrants.
Smoking is nevertheless allowed in beach bars or on the sea wall.
Electronic cigarettes remain authorized, because they do not generate cigarette butts.