Spain’s leftist government has approved a draft reform to ban smoking and vaping in outdoor public spaces, including popular bar terraces and beaches. Driven by Health Minister Monica Garcia, the legislation aims to curb youth vaping and reduce second-hand exposure, though it faces strong opposition from the hospitality sector.
The draft law, signed off by the cabinet, seeks to modernize Spain’s tobacco control by treating all nicotine products equally. This broad categorization includes conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, shishas, and nicotine pouches.
Furthermore, the legislation introduces strict measures to eliminate the sale of single-use electronic cigarettes and explicitly prohibits minors from using vapes or related products.
Under the proposed reform, the use of any smoking or vaping device will be prohibited in:
- Bar and restaurant terraces
- Beaches and public swimming pools
- Sports facilities and stadiums
- Bus stops and open-air entertainment venues
- Areas surrounding educational facilities and hospitals
Health Minister Garcia emphasized that the law prioritizes public health over private interests. According to health ministry data, smoking claims approximately 50,000 lives annually in Spain, accounting for about 137 deaths per day.
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However, the hospitality industry has heavily criticized the move. Business owners warn that banning smoking on outdoor terraces—which are heavily utilized year-round in Spain—could disrupt the country’s outdoor dining culture, harm tourism, and create enforcement challenges.
Despite the comprehensive outdoor bans, anti-tobacco campaigners like the National Committee for the Prevention of Smoking (CNPT) expressed disappointment. The final cabinet-approved text omitted a proposal for generic, plain packaging for cigarettes, a measure health officials hope to reintroduce as an amendment later.
The draft law must now navigate Spain’s heavily fragmented parliament. If it successfully passes, the nationwide restrictions could take effect before 2027.
