Key facts
- Spain's government has approved a draft bill to update its anti-tobacco laws.
- The legislation expands smoke-free zones to include terraces, beaches, and public sports facilities.
- It introduces a ban on tobacco and e-cigarette consumption for individuals under 18.
- E-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and shisha pipes will be regulated similarly to traditional tobacco.
- Sales of these products will be restricted to specialist shops with no external advertising.
- Advertising, promotion, and sponsorship rules for tobacco products are being tightened.
Spain has taken a significant step in its public health strategy by approving a draft law to strengthen its fight against tobacco consumption. The bill, which reforms existing regulations from 2005, aims to address new consumption habits and the proliferation of products like e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and shisha pipes.
The proposed legislation seeks to expand smoke-free areas to include outdoor hospitality venues, beaches, public swimming pools, sports facilities, and public transport. Additionally, 15-meter protection zones will be established around entrances to public buildings such as hospitals and schools. Health Minister Mónica García highlighted that smoking causes approximately 50,000 deaths annually in Spain.
For the first time, the bill explicitly prohibits the consumption of tobacco-related products by individuals under 18, with potential fines starting at 200 euros, which may be replaced by community service. While sales to minors were already banned, this measure targets their actual use.
Electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha pipes, and other imitation smoking devices will be subject to the same restrictions as conventional cigarettes, including bans in smoke-free areas. Their sale will be confined to specialist shops, which will be prohibited from displaying advertising visible from the outside. The government also plans to tighten restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship across all media, including online platforms and at points of sale.
The bill will now proceed through the Spanish parliament, where amendments can be introduced before final approval. The reform is part of the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use 2024-2027. Penalties for non-compliance could range from 200 to 600,000 euros, depending on the severity of the offense. Once enacted, the law will take effect 20 days after its publication in the Official State Gazette, with businesses and institutions given two months to adapt signage.