Spain wants to extend smoking ban on terraces and beaches

The government in Madrid intends to extend restrictions on tobacco and e-cigarette consumption, through a bill that prohibits smoking on restaurant and cafe terraces, on beaches and in other outdoor public spaces. The initiative is part of the Spanish authorities' strategy to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health, but its adoption depends on the vote of Parliament, where the executive led by Pedro Sanchez does not have a majority, AFP reports.

• Bannings in several public spaces

According to Health Minister Monica Garcia Gomez, the new rules will prohibit smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on the terraces of establishments in the HoReCa sector, but also in bus stops, on platforms, on university campuses, sports facilities, swimming pools and on beaches.

Currently, some of these restrictions are already applied at local or regional level, with autonomous authorities having powers in the field of public health.

• Additional restrictions on tobacco and e-cigarettes

The bill also provides for a ban on tobacco consumption by minors, as well as the elimination of advertising for tobacco products and e-cigarettes. At the same time, the marketing of electronic smoking devices would be subject to stricter rules. "With this law, we intend to continue to mark another turning point in terms of protecting public health," said Monica Garcia Gomez, quoted by AFP. The minister recalled that smoking causes approximately 50,000 deaths annually in Spain and is a risk factor in approximately 30% of cancer cases. According to her, the executive's objective is "a tobacco-free generation" and making clean air the norm in all common spaces.

• Political obstacles and opposition from the hospitality industry

The initiative is to be debated in Parliament, but its approval is not guaranteed, given that the parties supporting the Government do not have a majority. At the same time, the project is expected to face opposition from representatives of the hotel and restaurant sector, an area with an important contribution to the Spanish economy and closely linked to the activity of terraces, especially in the summer season. Although the number of smokers is decreasing, approximately 26% of adults in Spain smoke daily, according to the most recent report by the health authorities, published in 2024. Current Spanish legislation, which came into force in 2011, already prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants, cafes, discos and casinos. The new project aims to extend these restrictions to many open spaces frequented by the public.