Spain Moves Closer to Wide-Ranging Outdoor Smoking Ban

Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved a new smoking law which will ban smoking and vaping on outside terraces, beaches and near public buildings.

The proposed law will now move on to be presented for a vote of approval in Spain’s Senate, after which it will come into force.

Under the law it will be forbidden to consume tobacco or use vapes on “the terraces of bars, restaurants and other hospitality establishments, … beaches, public swimming pools, sports facilities, national parks, work vehicles…, as well as venues where public events are held”.

“Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their leisure time freely on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu,” said Health Minister Mónica García, after the meeting of the Council.

The law will also restrict tobacco advertising and outlaw the consumption of tobacco products by under-18s. Fines for children caught smoking will be payable by parents or guardians.