Campaigners call for smoking ban on Welsh beaches
Following a campaign by Ash Cymru, three beaches in Porth Dafarch, Cemlyn on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd have now become voluntary smoke-free zones
Following a campaign by Ash Cymru, three beaches in,Porth Dafarch, Cemlyn on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd have now become voluntary smoke-free zones.
The charity says the initiative will help to 'invite visitors and locals alike to support a cleaner, safer environment by choosing not to smoke on these special beaches'.
Though voluntary, the move aims to limit the environmental damage caused by cigarette litter, particularly to coastal wildlife and marine habitats.
In 2021, data from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) revealed that Welsh beaches had the highest cigarette litter levels in Great Britain, over double that of England
Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, says:
“I welcome this national partnership between ASH Wales Cymru and the National Trust, which will make three more of Wales’ beaches smoke-free.
"Not only will more smoke-free places help protect people from harmful second-hand smoke and reduce the environmental damage from smoking, but they will help make smoke-free the norm in Wales, discourage young people from taking up smoking and support more smokers to quit.
“Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this.
"It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes.”
Visitors to the smoke-free beaches will now see new signs inviting them to support the 'smoke-free approach and help reduce litter', according to the charity.
Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of ASH Wales, says:
“Smoke-free spaces are not only popular, they’re essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations. Cigarette butts are the world’s most littered item, threatening marine life and increasing wildfire risk.”
“With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
"Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm – people, wildlife and the planet come first.”
A national public opinion survey (2025) shows 56% of adults in Wales support a smoking ban on beaches – with a survey in Anglesey showing 87% in favour.