Spain Expands Smoking Ban to Include Restaurant Terraces and Beaches

The Spanish government has approved a new law that restricts the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes. This law will expand the scope of smoke-free areas to include restaurant terraces and beaches, and will also ban the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes for individuals under the age of 18. The new regulation completely prohibits the sale and use of tobacco products by minors.

If the proposal is approved by the parliament, the areas where the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes will be prohibited will include bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, swimming pools, beaches, health facilities, educational institutions, and the surroundings of public buildings within a radius of 15 meters.

If the proposal is approved by the parliament, the areas where the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes will be prohibited will include bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, swimming pools, beaches, health facilities, educational institutions, and the surroundings of public buildings within a radius of 15 meters. The regulation will subject traditional cigarettes, as well as nicotine/nicotine-free electronic devices, herbal cigarettes, hookahs, and other products that mimic cigarettes to the same restrictions. The use of nicotine pouches by minors will be prohibited, while these products will be exempt from the general smoke-free area regulation. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia Gomez stated that the regulation aims to raise a tobacco-free generation and protect public health. Gomez noted that approximately 50,000 deaths occur each year in the country due to tobacco use.