Spain moves to ban smoking on terraces and beaches under new anti-tobacco law

Spain Moves to Ban Smoking on Terraces and Beaches Poinews.com – Spain moves to ban smoking on terraces and beaches as part of a comprehensive new

Spain Moves to Ban Smoking on Terraces and Beaches

Poinews.com – Spain moves to ban smoking on terraces and beaches as part of a comprehensive new anti-tobacco law. On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers approved a draft legislation that modernizes regulations established in 2005, aligning them with evolving consumption patterns and emerging products like electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and shisha pipes. This legislative text now enters the parliamentary phase in the Cortes Generales, where amendments may be incorporated before final approval.

Expanding Smoke-Free Zones

The reform represents the most substantial update to Spain’s anti-tobacco framework in over ten years. According to the Ministry of Health, the government aims “to increase smoke-free areas, strengthen protection for children and adolescents, and adapt the legislation to new products linked to tobacco.” The legislation also addresses “legal loopholes” created by the rapid proliferation of new nicotine products outside existing regulations.

Under the proposed law, smoking and electronic cigarette use would be prohibited on “the terraces of bars, restaurants and other hospitality establishments, sea and river beaches, public swimming pools, sports facilities, national parks, work vehicles, except when used exclusively for personal purposes, as well as venues where public events are held.” Additionally, “protection zones” of 15 metres will surround entrances to public buildings, hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, museums, sports facilities, cultural centres and children’s playgrounds.

“Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their leisure time freely on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu,” Health Minister Mónica García stated at a press conference following the Council of Ministers meeting.

Protecting Young People

For the first time, the future law introduces an explicit prohibition on tobacco consumption by individuals under 18 years of age. Previously, legislation only restricted the sale and supply of tobacco products to minors without specifically penalizing underage consumption.

According to Estudes 2025, the survey on drug use in secondary education in Spain, daily smoking prevalence among 14 to 18-year-olds stands at 4.3%, marking the lowest figure in the entire data series since 1994. Nevertheless, tobacco use within the past month in this demographic remains elevated at 15.5%. The draft legislation also preserves the prohibition on nicotine pouch consumption by minors, though these products will not be included in the planned expansion of smoke-free spaces for other devices.

The reform subjects e-cigarettes and other tobacco-related products to the same regulatory framework as conventional cigarettes across all smoke-free locations. This measure encompasses devices with and without nicotine, herbal smoking products, shisha pipes, and other smoking-mimicking apparatus. A novel provision restricts the sale and supply of these products to specialist outlets, which must satisfy requirements to be established by the Ministry of Health through ministerial order.

These designated shops will also be prohibited from displaying advertising or posters visible from exterior locations. The government has incorporated modifications compared with the 2025 draft, including the temporary suspension of the ban on disposable vapes and plain packaging for cigarette packs—measures already implemented in the United Kingdom.

The executive maintains its intention to reintroduce both provisions during the parliamentary process, contingent upon progress in European regulation. The draft strengthens limitations on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco and related products across all media and platforms, encompassing vending machines, the internet, and any form of “direct or indirect” promotion.

In audiovisual media, the legislation will prevent presenters, contributors, or guests from appearing while smoking or displaying tobacco products or related devices in “media and audiovisual content.” Associated brands, logos, or commercial references may not be exhibited either. The reform additionally modernizes the penalty system to reflect new obligations established by the law.

Offences may incur fines ranging from 200 to 600,000 euros, depending on severity. Minors violating the consumption ban face minor offence fines starting at 200 euros, which the Ministry of Health indicates may alternatively be satisfied through community service.