The Spanish government has approved a significant expansion of its anti-tobacco law, introducing a sweeping ban on smoking and vaping in numerous outdoor public spaces. The new legislation, analyzed by the Council of Ministers, aims to protect public health, particularly non-smokers and minors, by creating more smoke-free environments across the country.
Under the approved text, it will now be prohibited to smoke or vape in a wide range of previously unrestricted areas. The new smoke-free and vape-free zones include:
- Terraces of bars and restaurants
- Bus stops and transport shelters (marquees)
- Public and community swimming pools
- University campuses
- Parks and playgrounds
- Outdoor sports facilities
- Outdoor concerts, nightclubs, and other crowded events
Furthermore, the reform introduces a new requirement to maintain a minimum distance of 15 meters from health facilities, schools, and sports centers, expanding the protective perimeter around these sensitive locations. Traditional indoor smoking rooms in establishments will also be eliminated.
The law establishes a tiered system of fines for infractions. A minor offense, such as smoking in a prohibited area, can result in a fine of up to €30, which can rise to €600 for repeat offenses. Serious infractions will be sanctioned with penalties ranging from €601 to €10,000, while very serious violations, especially those affecting collective health in crowded places, could lead to fines of up to €600,000.
Health Minister Mónica García defended the reform as a necessary step to protect public health. However, the new law has drawn criticism from health organizations like the National Committee for the Prevention of Smoking (CNPT) and Nofumadores.org. They reproach the government for yielding to industry pressure by not including more stringent measures such as plain packaging or a significant tax increase on tobacco products.
Notably, beaches remain an exception at the national level, although many coastal municipalities have already implemented their own local smoking bans on their shores, a trend that continues to grow independently of the national law.
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