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Mar del Plata to Start Fining Beach Smoking Outside Designated Areas in December

Fines set by a 2022 ordinance now take effect pending formal enforcement guidance from the city.

Overview

  • Penalties will range from about ARS 50,899 to 508,992, calculated as 0.15%–1.5% of the value of 100 municipal minimum salaries.
  • The rule applies to concessioned and private balnearios, municipal Tourist Units, the Punta Mogotes complex, and provincial concessions.
  • City officials have not detailed how inspections, reports, or on‑site controls will operate, leaving procedures to be announced.
  • This will be the first season with active sanctions after a three‑year implementation period that began with signage, smoker zones, and butt receptacles in 2022/23.
  • Authorities cite health protection and pollution reduction, noting cigarette butts are among the most common beach wastes and can take about 18 months to degrade.