Spain is preparing a new crackdown on smoking. The government has approved a bill that, if confirmed by Parliament, will ban both traditional and electronic cigarettes on the terraces of bars and restaurants, on beaches and in many other outdoor spaces. The reform also extends restrictions to new nicotine-based products, introduces a consumption ban for minors and strengthens rules on sales, advertising and sponsorships.
A REFORM TO KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES
The Spanish Council of Ministers has given the green light to the bill updating the anti-smoking regulations in force since 2005, adapting them to the spread of products such as electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, hookahs and heated tobacco devices. The measure is part of the Global Plan for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Consumption 2024-2027 and represents the most important legislative intervention on the subject in the last ten years.
“Times have changed, new products have appeared and new public health needs have emerged,” said Health Minister Mónica García, explaining that the goal is to bring Spain back to the forefront in anti-smoking policies after the reforms that in 2005 banned smoking in indoor workplaces and in 2010 inside bars and restaurants.
According to the Ministry of Health, the reform aims to “increase smoke-free spaces, strengthen the protection of children and adolescents and adapt legislation to new tobacco-related products,” as well as to close “regulatory loopholes” created by the rapid spread of new nicotine-containing products.
MORE NO SMOKING AREAS
The most significant novelty concerns the extension of the smoking ban. If Parliament approves the text, it will no longer be allowed to smoke or use electronic cigarettes on the terraces of bars, restaurants and other venues, on marine and river beaches, in public swimming pools, sports facilities, national parks, work vehicles used for professional activities and areas hosting public events.
The measure also introduces a 15-meter buffer zone from the entrances of public buildings, hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, museums, cultural centers, sports facilities and children’s play areas.
“Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their free time on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu,” García stated.
A similar restriction was introduced during the pandemic, then revoked at the end of the health emergency.
SMOKE IS SMOKE
The bill equates electronic cigarettes with traditional cigarettes for the first time in all spaces where smoking will be prohibited. The same restrictions will apply regardless of the presence of nicotine and will also include nicotine pouches, inhalable plant products, hookahs and heated tobacco devices.
The sale of these products will only be allowed in specialized stores that meet the requirements established by the Ministry of Health. Shops will also not be allowed to display advertising or promotional signs visible from outside.
Compared to the draft presented in 2025, Euronews notes, the government has postponed two already announced measures: the ban on disposable electronic cigarettes and the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes, intending to reintroduce them during parliamentary review alongside the evolution of European regulations.
PROTECTION OF MINORS AND ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
The reform introduces for the first time an explicit ban on the consumption of tobacco-related products for those under 18. The current legislation only prohibited sale and supply, without an explicit ban on use.
According to the Estudes 2025 survey reported by Euronews, the share of regular smokers among youths aged 14 to 18 has dropped to 4.3%, the lowest value recorded since 1994. However, in the same age group, 15.5% report having consumed tobacco at least once in the last month.
Restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco and related products are also strengthened, extended to all media, online platforms, vending machines and any form of direct or indirect promotion. Audiovisual content cannot feature presenters, guests or collaborators smoking, nor will brands, logos or commercial references related to these products be allowed.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS AND SANCTIONS
The bill must now be examined by the Cortes Generales, where it may be amended before final approval. The main opposition party, the Popular Party, has conditioned its support on the creation of designated smoking areas and guarantees to avoid negative impacts on the restaurant and hospitality sector, which has already opposed the terrace measure, arguing it could push smokers to consume tobacco in enclosed places, such as private homes, increasing exposure to passive smoke.
The reform also updates the sanctioning system. Violations may be punished with fines ranging from 200 to 600,000 euros, depending on the severity of the infraction. For minors caught consuming tobacco or related products, sanctions starting at 200 euros are foreseen, which can be replaced with community service.
Once definitively approved and published in the Official State Gazette, the law will come into force after 20 days. From that moment, businesses and institutions will have two months to adapt signage to the new smoke-free areas.
According to the Health Minister, tobacco causes about 140 deaths per day in Spain, approximately 50,000 per year, and is a risk factor associated with 30% of cancer cases.
