Benidorm’s Socialist opposition group has called on the town’s ruling People’s Party administration to sign up to the Valencian Community’s Smoke-Free Beaches Network, a move that would make all of the resort’s beaches no-smoking zones.

The proposal, led by Socialist councillor Laura Rubio, highlights the example set by neighbouring towns in the Marina Baixa region. La Vila Joiosa has already declared all 13 of its beaches and coves smoke-free, while l’Alfàs del Pi and Finestrat are also members of the regional network. Rubio said this leaves Benidorm increasingly isolated on the issue.

She argued that the measure is not only about the comfort of non-smokers, but also about environmental protection. According to Rubio, cigarette butts are among the most common and harmful types of beach litter. She said a single butt can contaminate up to 50 litres of water, take around a decade to decompose, and release microplastics and toxic substances such as arsenic and lead into the sea.

Rubio urged Mayor Toni Pérez and the PP to reconsider their position, saying other towns have shown the policy is well received by residents and tourists. The People’s Party has not yet responded publicly to the proposal.