Madrid: Spain has announced plans to introduce one of the toughest anti smoking laws in Europe by extending its smoking ban to many more public places, including the outdoor terraces of bars, restaurants and cafés. The proposed law would also treat vaping products, heated tobacco devices and nicotine pouches in the same way as traditional cigarettes, marking a major step in the country's efforts to improve public health.
The draft legislation was presented by Health Minister MĂłnica GarcĂa on Monday as part of the government's wider strategy to reduce smoking related illnesses and protect people from second hand smoke. Although the proposal has received strong backing from health experts, it still needs approval from Spain's parliament before it can become law.
If approved, smoking will no longer be allowed on outdoor terraces, which have remained one of the few public places where smoking is still permitted. The ban would also cover vaping devices, hookahs, herbal smoking products and heated tobacco products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
The government also wants to ban smoking within 15 metres of entrances to public buildings, schools, hospitals, health centres and playgrounds. Other places included in the proposal are public swimming pools, sports facilities, university campuses, work vehicles and areas where public events are held.
Health Minister GarcĂa said the new measures are designed to respond to changes in tobacco use over the past decade. She said newer nicotine products have become increasingly popular, especially among younger people, and the law needs to reflect these changes while continuing to protect public health.
According to Spain's Health Ministry, smoking remains one of the country's leading preventable causes of death. Around 50,000 people die each year from illnesses linked to tobacco use, which works out to about 140 deaths every day. Health officials also estimate that smoking is a major risk factor in nearly one third of all cancer cases in Spain.
Spain introduced its first major anti smoking law in 2005 and strengthened it in 2010 by banning smoking inside bars, restaurants and many other enclosed public places. Health authorities believe those measures helped reduce smoking rates, but they argue that the rise of vaping products and alternative nicotine devices requires stronger and more updated legislation.
The proposal has received support from many public health organisations, which say expanding smoke free areas will help reduce exposure to second hand smoke and discourage young people from taking up smoking or vaping. Medical experts have also welcomed the government's decision to include vaping devices in the same rules as cigarettes, saying they should not be treated differently in public spaces.
However, the plan has faced criticism from Spain's hospitality industry. Restaurant and café owners have expressed concern that banning smoking on outdoor terraces could affect business, especially during the busy summer season when many customers choose to sit outside. Some industry representatives argue that the restrictions may simply encourage smokers to gather in private homes, where families could be exposed to second hand smoke.
Political debate is also expected before the bill becomes law. Spain's governing coalition does not hold an outright majority in parliament and will need support from other political parties. The opposition People's Party has indicated that it may support parts of the proposal but has called for designated smoking areas to be considered and has urged the government to ensure the hospitality sector is not unfairly affected.
Spain's move reflects a wider trend across Europe, where governments are tightening tobacco control measures to improve public health. Several countries have already expanded smoke free areas, introduced stricter rules on vaping products and increased efforts to reduce smoking among young people.
For now, the proposed legislation remains under discussion and no new restrictions have taken effect. If parliament approves the bill, Spain will join the growing number of European countries adopting tougher measures to reduce smoking and vaping in public places while aiming to create healthier environments for residents and visitors alike.