Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Imagine sitting at a beach café, enjoying your coffee or lunch, and not having to move your chair because smoke from the next table is blowing your way.
That is the kind of change Spain is hoping to introduce with a major update to its smoking laws, one that could see smoking banned in many outdoor spaces, including beaches, restaurant terraces and public swimming pools.
The Spanish government has approved a draft law that would significantly expand the country’s smoke-free areas, marking the biggest update to its anti-smoking rules in more than a decade.
The proposal is part of Spain’s Integrated Plan for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use 2024-2027, which aims to reduce smoking rates, protect children and address newer products such as e-cigarettes.
Where would smoking be banned?
If approved by Spain’s parliament, the new rules would prohibit smoking and vaping in a wide range of outdoor areas, including:
- Outdoor areas of bars, restaurants and hotels
- Beaches and river areas
- Public swimming pools
- Sports facilities
- National parks
- Work vehicles (with some exceptions)
- Areas where public events are held
The government also wants to create 15-meter smoke-free zones around entrances to public buildings, hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, museums, cultural centers, sports facilities, and playgrounds.
Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García said the goal is simple: people should be able to enjoy public spaces without being exposed to secondhand smoke.
“Anyone who wants to drink a coffee or enjoy their free time outdoors should be able to do so without smoke from the table next to them,” she said.
E-cigarettes included too
The proposed law would also treat e-cigarettes and other similar products in the same way as traditional tobacco.
That means tighter rules on their sale, advertising and sponsorship, while also banning tobacco products for anyone under 18.
The government says the changes are needed because current legislation has gaps that allow some newer products to avoid restrictions.
A debate Cyprus knows well
For many Cypriots, the debate may sound familiar.
Smoking on restaurant terraces, outside cafés and near beaches has long been a common sight, despite existing restrictions. During the summer months especially, when people spend more time outdoors, the question of whether outdoor areas should remain smoke-free often divides opinion.
Supporters of stricter rules argue that non-smokers should not have to choose between enjoying a coffee by the sea and breathing in cigarette smoke.
Opponents often argue that outdoor spaces should allow people more freedom and that enforcement could be difficult.
Thousands of deaths linked to smoking
The Spanish Health Ministry says smoking is responsible for around 50,000 deaths every year in Spain, making it one of the country’s biggest public health challenges.
The proposed law also includes tougher penalties for those who break the rules, with fines expected to range from €200 to several thousand euros.
The bill must still pass through Spain’s parliament before becoming law.
But if approved, Spain would join a growing number of European countries tightening restrictions on where people can smoke, including spaces where many people spend their leisure time.
