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ARCHIVED - Tough new tourist laws come into effect in the Canary Islands
Fines for breaking the rules in Tenerife can be as high as 3,000 euros
The island of Tenerife is one of the most popular winter destinations in Spain for British tourists and visitors from around the world thanks to its year-round warm temperatures that rarely dip below the high teens.
The port city of Santa Cruz is a particular favourite with UK holidaymakers, but a number of strict new rules that come into force on Tuesday January 17 could take the shine off that vacation. Tourists can be fined up to 3,000 euros for breaking any of the regulations that have been designed to preserve the area’s beaches and natural beauty.
Smoking and littering on beaches
Lighting up is now prohibited on the beach and smokers will have to move to one of the designated spots, which are clearly signposted, if they want to have a cigarette.
Tourists can also be fined for leaving their litter behind and beach businesses, like bars and restaurants, will also be sanctioned if they don’t provide rubbish bins for customers.
In line with the Spanish government’s new waste policy, these establishments will also face a fine if they offer single-use plastic items like cups, or fail to clean up after their guests.
Feeding stray animals
Feral animals cause a major problem all across Spain but in Santa Cruz, locals and tourists will now be fined if they’re caught feeding non-domestic animals like cats and pigeons. Under the new regulations, only authorised personnel are allowed to feed strays.
Graffiti
Defacing any public space, transport, trees or street furniture with graffiti, writing or scratches will now be considered a crime.
Incorrect use of rubbish bins
According to the new legislation, loose rubbish should be bagged before being thrown into the municipal bins and tourists will get in trouble if they put lit cigarettes or cigars into Santa Cruz litter containers, as this constitutes a violation against safety regulations.
Throwing any kind of paper, leaflet or advertising circular onto public roads is prohibited, and spitting or urinating in the street are considered offences. People will also be fined for putting dead animals in public bins.
Fines
Even the most minor breaches of these rules carries a fine of up to 750 euros while tourists will be slapped with a 3,000 euros penalty for more serious offences.
Image: Freepik
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