"For ecology, it's a step forward": in Landes, the ban on smoking on the beach divides opinion

Since Sunday, June 29, it has been illegal to light a cigarette on the beach. First impressions of the sands of Biscarrosse

Lighting a cigarette on the beach is a practically harmless gesture. However, since Sunday, June 29, smoking with your feet in the sand could cost you a fine of 135 euros (1). A measure that is divisive on Biscarrosse beach.

"As a mom, I think it's great," says Marjorie Quach. With sunglasses on, she and her husband watch their little girl playing in the sand. "It's true that beyond the ecological aspect, it reassures us to know that she won't be able to find cigarette butts while playing, or inhale smoke," adds the vacationer. This is the government's stated objective: to protect minors from secondhand smoke.

For Mohamed Bougataya, the measure is a good thing. "I can understand that for smokers, it's restrictive, but for the environment, it's a step forward." Next to him, Mamadou Ciisé attests: "We're entering a time where we have to be careful," the young man believes.

Yet for smokers, the measure is hard to accept. "There's no way I'm leaving my cigarette butts on the beach," protests Lune Nguyen, a cigarette tucked into her mouth, who was unaware of the measure. "It's a matter of good manners; you have to be considerate of others. I try to get as far away as possible to smoke," she adds.

(1) The ban also applies to parks, bus shelters, libraries, areas around schools and sports facilities, and all places where minors are accommodated. Bars, terraces and restaurants are not affected.