Spain is facing a comprehensive expansion of its anti-smoking legislation. The Ministry of Health is currently working on a new law that will drastically extend smoke-free zones. The aim is to bring Spain to the forefront of the fight against tobacco consumption and to sustainably strengthen public health. The planned amendment includes, among other things, a smoking ban on terraces, outdoors, at universities, and in work vehicles.
Significant Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones in Spain
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García announced in an interview with Cadena SER that the new anti-smoking law will mark a “before and after.” The measures go beyond previous regulations and will affect a wide range of public and semi-public areas.
Where Smoking Will Be Prohibited in the Future
According to the Health Minister’s explanations, the following areas will be smoke-free in the future:
- Work vehicles: Smoking will be prohibited in vehicles used for professional purposes.
- Educational centers: This includes both indoor and outdoor areas, including school playgrounds and university campuses.
- Sports facilities: All sports venues will be smoke-free.
- Collective use swimming pools: Public and collectively used swimming pools will also be affected by the smoking ban.
- Bus stops: Smoking will no longer be permitted at bus stops.
- Outdoor party venues: Outdoor areas used for events and parties will also fall under the ban.
- Terraces: A particularly striking point of the new law is the planned smoking ban on restaurant and café terraces.
The Road to Legislation: Parliamentary Hurdles and Scientific Support
The new law stems from the anti-smoking plan adopted a year ago and still needs to go through further legislative steps. Before it can proceed to parliamentary processing in the Congress of Deputies, it must pass through the Council of Ministers for a second round. Although Minister García did not specify a concrete deadline, she hopes for a swift implementation.
The measures included in the draft and the expansion of smoke-free areas are supported, according to the minister, by scientific evidence and broad public approval. This explicitly includes smokers, who largely support the measures.
Electronic Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products: Equal Treatment with Conventional Tobacco
Another important aspect of the bill is the planned regulation of the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. These products are to be normatively equated with conventional tobacco in terms of consumption restrictions in public spaces. A corresponding Royal Decree for this still needs to be approved by the European Union.
Funding for Smoking Cessation and Tax Increases
The Spanish government’s comprehensive plan to reduce tobacco consumption includes not only prohibitions but also supportive measures. These include funding for smoking cessation treatments from the national health system. In addition, the government plans to increase taxes on tobacco and all related products to further discourage consumption and generate revenue for the health system.
