Spain Moves to Ban Smoking on Terraces and Beaches
Usagevpn.com – Spain moves to ban smoking on terraces and beaches as part of a comprehensive legislative overhaul. On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law reforming regulations that have been in place since 2005. This update aligns current rules with evolving consumption patterns and the emergence of products like electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and shisha pipes. The legislation now enters the parliamentary phase in the Cortes Generales, where amendments may be introduced before final approval.
Expanding Smoke-Free Zones
The reform falls under the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use 2024-2027, marking the most substantial revision to anti-tobacco legislation 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.” Officials emphasize that the new regulations also address “legal loopholes” created by the rapid proliferation of novel nicotine products.
Among the most significant changes is the broadening of smoking prohibition areas. Should parliament approve the law, tobacco consumption 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” spanning 15 metres will be established around 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.
The minister highlighted that smoking causes approximately 50,000 deaths annually in Spain. For the first time, the upcoming law introduces an explicit prohibition on tobacco-related product consumption by individuals under 18. Previously, legislation only restricted sale and supply without specifically penalizing minors for personal use.
Protecting Young People
“According to Estudes 2025, the survey on drug use in secondary education in Spain, the prevalence of daily smokers among people aged 14 to 18 stands at 4.3%, the lowest figure in the entire data series since 1994. However, tobacco use in the past month in this same age group remains high, with a prevalence of 15.5%,” the ministry explained. The draft legislation 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 similar smoking-mimicking apparatus. A further innovation involves restricting sales and supply of these products to specialized outlets meeting 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 vantage points. The Government has incorporated modifications compared to the 2025 draft proposal. Notably, the temporary suspension of the disposable vape ban—mirroring action already taken by the United Kingdom—and the plain packaging requirement for cigarette packs have been removed.
The executive maintains its intention to reinstate both measures during the parliamentary process, contingent upon progress in European regulation. The draft strengthens limitations on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco and associated products. These restrictions will cover all media and platforms, including vending machines, digital channels, and any promotional activity, whether “direct or indirect.”
Within 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.” Brands, logos, or commercial references connected to these products will also be prohibited from appearing. The reform additionally modernizes the penalty system to correspond with the new obligations established by the law.
Offences, according to local media reports, may incur fines ranging from 200 to 600,000 euros, contingent upon severity. For minors violating the prohibition on consuming tobacco or related products, minor offence fines will commence at 200 euros. The Ministry of Health indicates that these monetary penalties may alternatively be substituted with community service.
Once the law achieves definitive status, Spain will have implemented one of the most comprehensive anti-tobacco frameworks in Europe, reflecting the Government’s commitment to public health improvement through legislative action.
