Spain Approves Draft to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces, Beaches and Outdoor Venues

The Council of Ministers approved a draft law that overhauls Spain’s anti-tobacco framework, first introduced in 2005. The proposal expands smoke-free zones to the terraces of bars and restaurants, sea and river beaches, public swimming pools, sports facilities, national parks, work vehicles and venues for public events. It also creates 15-metre “protection zones” around entrances to public buildings, schools, hospitals, universities, libraries, museums, cultural centres and playgrounds.

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• Product scope: Electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha pipes, herbal smoking devices and any product that mimics smoking are treated the same as conventional cigarettes.

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• Youth protection: For the first time, consumption by anyone under 18 is prohibited, adding to the existing ban on sale and supply. The Ministry of Health cites the 2025 “Estudes” survey showing a 4 % daily-smoker rate among 14- to 18-year-olds—the lowest since 1994—while 15.5 % reported smoking in the past month.

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• Advertising limits: All media, including vending machines and internet platforms, are barred from displaying tobacco-related branding; audiovisual content may not feature smoking or tobacco products.

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• Sales restrictions: Specialized outlets will be the only venues permitted to sell e-cigarettes and similar products, subject to a forthcoming ministerial order, and they may not display external advertising.

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• Penalties: Fines range from €200 to €600,000 depending on seriousness; minor offences by under-18s start at €200 and may be replaced by community service.

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• Health impact: The Health Ministry notes that tobacco causes roughly 50,000 deaths annually in Spain. Cigarette sales fell 53.8 % between 2005 (4.634 billion packs) and 2024 (2.143 billion packs).

Spain approves tightening the anti-smoking law, which bans smoking on terraces and beaches

Health Minister Mónica García framed the draft as a step toward a “tobacco-free” generation, emphasizing the need to protect children and adapt the law to new nicotine products. She reiterated the mortality figure of 50,000 deaths per year and explained that, once published in the Official State Gazette, the law will take effect 20 days later, with establishments given two months to update signage.

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• “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,” — Health Minister Mónica García

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