Story perspectives

Spain bans smoking on terraces, beaches, pools to protect children

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

On 21 July 2026 Spain's government approved a law banning smoking on terraces, beaches and pools that Health Minister Mónica García said aims to protect children, citing 50,000 deaths yearly.
The draft creates zones around schools and hospitals and bans anyone under 18 from smoking, with daily use at 4.3 % among 14- to 18-year-olds.
The draft gives manufacturers 12 months to adapt, fines of €600,000, and restricts e-cigarette sales to specialist outlets.

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Story summary

On 21 July 2026 Spain's government approved a law banning smoking on terraces, beaches and pools that Health Minister Mónica García said aims to protect children, citing 50,000 deaths yearly.
The draft creates zones around schools and hospitals and bans anyone under 18 from smoking, with daily use at 4.3 % among 14- to 18-year-olds.
The draft gives manufacturers 12 months to adapt, fines of €600,000, and restricts e-cigarette sales to specialist outlets.