Spain is preparing to broaden its smoke-free zones with a forthcoming ban that will prohibit smoking and vaping in a variety of public and semi-public areas. The proposed legislation targets places such as school grounds, work vehicles (for example, delivery vans), outdoor recreational spaces, university campuses, sports venues, public swimming pools, open-air nightclubs and dance halls.
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García revealed that her department’s draft amendment to the current anti-smoking legislation encompasses these areas in addition to previously proposed restrictions, including outdoor seating at bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as shelters at public transport stops.
Before the reform can move forward, it must first receive approval from the cabinet and then be voted on in the Spanish Congress, where the minority coalition government will need to gain backing from other political parties to ensure its passage.
A key element of the proposal is the inclusion of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which would be subject to the same public space limitations as traditional tobacco under the new rules.
The draft decree outlining these changes has already been submitted for review and public consultation within the European regulatory framework.
During an interview with Spanish radio network Cadena SER, García explained the rationale behind banning smoking on bar terraces: ‘We will prohibit smoking on terraces because it is a measure supported by scientific evidence and by a large majority of citizens, including many smokers.’
She continued, ‘It is time to be ambitious in the fight against tobacco use, one of the main threats to public health, which causes 30% of cancers.’
The minister expressed optimism about the draft law moving forward swiftly, emphasising that it forms part of Spain’s broader collaborative efforts with fellow EU countries through the council of health ministers.
According to the ministry, all proposed measures align with international health guidelines.
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La nueva Ley contra el tabaco incluirá más espacios libres de humo: terrazas, marquesinas, vehículos laborales, instalaciones deportivas y campus universitarios.
— Mónica García (@Monica_Garcia_G) May 29, 2025
Medida avalada por la ciencia, la UE y la mayoría social, también fumadora, que pide actuar ante la lacra del tabaco. pic.twitter.com/xP1CjaHLtr
“La ciudadanía nos está pidiendo que demos un paso al frente. Hay una mayoría que ya no quiere humo en los espacios públicos. Cada espacio libre de humo es también un espacio ganado para la salud, la dignidad y la vida”@Monica_Garcia_G en el Consejo Ejecutivo de la OMS 👇 pic.twitter.com/9oCppU62vW
— Ministerio de Sanidad (@sanidadgob) May 29, 2025
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