The Spanish government has approved a major legislative proposal aimed at significantly expanding smoke-free areas across the country. The draft law, which will now head to Parliament for debate, seeks to prohibit smoking and vaping in a variety of outdoor public spaces, including bar and restaurant terraces, beaches, public swimming pools, and sports facilities. This initiative marks the most substantial update to Spain's tobacco regulations since the landmark 2005 law that first banned smoking inside enclosed public venues.
Beyond expanding smoke-free zones, the legislation introduces strict 15-meter buffer zones around sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, healthcare centers, and children's playgrounds. These areas are designed to protect vulnerable populations from secondhand smoke. The bill also treats electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other modern tobacco-related products with the same regulatory rigor as traditional cigarettes, effectively ending their availability in general convenience stores and restricting their sale to specialized outlets.
For the first time, the law explicitly prohibits minors under the age of 18 from using tobacco or vaping products. While previous laws focused on restricting sales to minors, this new measure directly penalizes consumption, with potential fines starting at 200 euros. In cases involving minors, the responsibility for these penalties would fall upon parents or legal guardians.
Health Minister Mónica García emphasized that the reform is a vital public health step, noting that tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death in Spain, contributing to approximately 50,000 fatalities annually. The government estimates that these measures could lead to significant long-term savings in healthcare costs by reducing the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
As the bill moves into the parliamentary process, its final form and timeline remain subject to negotiation. While the government aims to secure its passage before the end of the current legislative term, the proposal must navigate potential amendments and political debate before it can be enacted into law.