Spain moves to ban smoking on terraces and beaches in new tobacco law

The Spanish government has approved a new anti-tobacco law that prohibits smoking and vaping in outdoor terraces, beaches, pools, and other public spaces — the most significant update to tobacco legislation in over a decade. The bill, promoted by Health Minister Mónica García, now goes to Parliament for approval, where the ruling coalition lacks a majority Source: Diario Libre.

What the law proposes

• Smoking banned in all bar and restaurant terraces, beaches, swimming pools, university campuses, sports venues, and outdoor concerts Source: La Vanguardia.
• A 15-meter smoke-free perimeter around hospitals, schools, and parks Source: Euronews.
• Vaping products (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha) are regulated equally with tobacco Source: El Mundo.
• Minors are explicitly forbidden from consuming any of these products, with fines for under-18 smokers and potential liability for their parents (a highly controversial point) Source: El Español.

Reactions from hostelería and smokers

Hostelería de Spain's president, José Luis Álvarez Almeida, called the ban "like shooting yourself in the foot" and warned it could lead to 300,000 job losses Source: El Confidencial. SOS Hostelería is urging MPs to reject the law, claiming it threatens 85,000 bars Source: Infobae. Smokers have also voiced anger: TV presenter Gema López said the new rules would "ruin my existence" and threaten personal freedoms Source: ABC.

The political and health context

Spain's smoking rate (24% of adults) matches the EU average, well below Bulgaria (37%) and Greece (35%) Source: La Vanguardia via Eurostat. The law aims to reduce the 50,000 annual tobacco-related deaths Source: Euronews. However, its passage is uncertain — some analysts note that if the government changes before the bill becomes law, it could be scrapped Source: El Mundo.