The Spanish government has approved a draft bill to expand smoke-free public spaces and align electronic cigarette regulations with traditional tobacco laws. This decision, aimed at reducing the 50,000 annual deaths attributed to smoking in Spain, introduces strict bans on terraces and beaches alongside fines reaching €600,000.
Under the approved bill, which now heads to parliament, smoking and vaping will be banned on bar and restaurant terraces, beaches, open-air pools, sports fields, and national parks. Additionally, 15-meter smoke-free buffer zones will be established around entrances to schools, hospitals, libraries, and museums.
For the first time, minors are banned from using any tobacco or nicotine products, expanding on the previous ban that only covered sales. Teenagers caught violating the law face a €200 fine, which can be substituted with community service.
Electronic cigarettes, nicotine-free vapes, and hookahs will be treated exactly like traditional cigarettes. These products can only be sold in specialized shops, and window advertisements are prohibited. The bill also restricts tobacco and vape advertising across television, print, and digital media.
| Violation Category | Key Restrictions | Penalty Range |
|---|---|---|
| Public Smoking & Vaping | Banned on terraces, beaches, pools, and within 15m of schools/hospitals | €200 to €600,000 (depending on severity) |
| Underage Use | Complete ban on consumption of tobacco/nicotine by minors | €200 fine (can be replaced by community service) |
| Vape & Hookah Sales | Sales restricted to specialized stores; window displays banned | Subject to standard tobacco sales penalties |
| Advertising & Media | No tobacco/vape ads online or on TV; no smoking on-air by TV guests | Administrative fines up to €600,000 |
Once parliament approves the bill, it will take effect 20 days after official publication. Businesses and hospitality venues will then have a two-month grace period to update their warning signs and comply with the new rules.
