The smoking ban in Spain is a step closer to becoming reality after the Council of Ministers approved a new tobacco control bill introducing some of the toughest anti-smoking measures the country has ever proposed.
The legislation will now go before Parliament for debate.
If MPs approve it, Spain will ban smoking and vaping in many more public places. The bill also introduces tougher rules on the sale, advertising and promotion of tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
The timetable remains uncertain because Parliament must still approve the legislation before it becomes law.
More public spaces set to become smoke-free
The proposed law expands the list of places where people cannot smoke or vape.
Outdoor terraces at bars and restaurants remain on the list. Beaches, river beaches and national parks have also been added.
The ban would also cover nightclubs, outdoor entertainment venues, university campuses and work vehicles such as delivery vans.
New 15-metre smoke-free zones
The government also wants to create “reinforced protection areas”.
Under the proposal, people could not smoke or vape inside these locations or within 15 metres of them.
The rule would apply to hospitals, health centres, schools, universities and research centres.
It would also cover museums, libraries, cultural venues, sports facilities, social centres, children’s parks and playgrounds.
Spain smoking ban: Parents could face fines
The bill would make it an offence for anyone under 18 to smoke or vape.
If authorities fine a minor, parents or legal guardians would have to pay the penalty.
The proposed fines range from €200 to €600.
In some cases, authorities could offer community service instead of a financial penalty.
The Ministry of Health says the aim is to reduce smoking, especially among young people. The measures would apply to both traditional cigarettes and electronic devices.
Tougher controls on e-cigarettes
The bill also tightens the rules on selling tobacco and nicotine products.
It covers cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and similar products.
Only authorised specialist retailers would be allowed to sell them under future regulations.
The government says the changes respond to growing use among teenagers.
The latest ESTUDES survey found that almost half of Spaniards aged 14 to 18 have tried e-cigarettes. Regular use has also risen sharply over the past six years.
Advertising rules also tightened
The proposed law introduces stricter advertising restrictions.
Shops could no longer display tobacco promotions that are visible from outside.
The restrictions would also apply to vending machines, online advertising and indirect marketing.
Television programmes, online videos and other audiovisual content could not show presenters or guests smoking or vaping for promotional purposes. They would also be banned from displaying tobacco brands or related products as advertising.
What happens next with Spain smoking ban?
Parliament must now debate and vote on the bill.
If MPs approve it, the new rules will take effect across Spain once they are published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
The measures will not require separate approval from Spain’s autonomous communities.
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