Mac's Poll - Let's Vote

Around Spain there has been little controversy over the voluntary nature of the vaccine against covid.  Initially, before the European Union approved the first vaccine, the then Minister of Health, Salvador Illa, assured that the 'obligation to be vaccinated' could be studied if it were necessary to reach the wider population. But this option was soon scrapped. And the growing acceptance seemed to rule out this option: eight out of ten Spaniards are willing to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

But this Tuesday, Galicia has decided to carve its own path. Its Parliament, with the absolute majority of Alberto Núñez Feijóo's PP, has approved a reform of the Autonomous Health Law that allows sanctioning with fines of between 1,000 and 600,000 euros to be issued to people who unjustifiably refuse to be vaccinated against covid and against possible future viruses.

Do you think the vaccination against covid or any other virus should be compulsory? Please cast your vote...

Barcelona city council will ban smoking on four of its beaches in a pilot test this summer. 

Between the end of May and mid-September, people will be barred from smoking on the beaches of Sant Miquel, Somorrostro, Nova Icària and Nova Mar Bella, four of the ten beaches in the Catalan capital. 

The aim of this project is twofold: minimizing the number of cigarette butts that are left in the sand that eventually ends up in the sea, thus protecting the environment, as well as acting as a measure to protect the health of bathers on the beach. 

The initiative led by the city council also aims to raise awareness about the impact of smoking. 

The local councillor in charge of climate matters, Eloi Badia, explained that cigarette butts are some of the most damaging elements to beaches in terms of pollution, as they contain up to 4,000 chemicals, around 400 of which are toxic. In addition, they take between 10-12 years to disintegrate. 

"The measure will allow us to somewhat curb environmental pollution and allow us to take a step forward in the protection of beaches," he said, citing Galicia’s smoke-free beaches as an example.

Authorities also explained that the ban’s aim is not focussed on punishing those who smoke on the beach - the ban won’t directly result in fines - but more about raising awareness.

Instances of non-compliance could be transferred to the Guardia Urbana local police who will be able to instruct people that smoking is banned in the area. However, if the beachgoer then still does not comply, the local police would then be able to hand out a fine, but the reason would be disrespecting authorities rather than breaking the smoking ban.

What do you think? Should smoking be banned on all beaches in Spain?