Crackdown on vaping AND energy drinks for under 18s in radical new rules in northern Spain
Galicia will ban the sale and consumption of vapes and energy drinks to those under 18, with fines up to €600,000.Summary
Galicia, in northern Spain, is implementing a new law in March to ban vapes and energy drinks for individuals under the age of 18. The legislation imposes immediate fines on young people caught vaping or consuming energy drinks, ranging from €200 to €3,000. Sellers face even higher penalties, up to €15,000, and serious offenses could result in fines reaching €600,000. The law treats energy drinks similarly to alcohol and vaping like tobacco, and expands smoke-free zones to include entrances of public buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities. This decision follows a report revealing that 41% of Galician teenagers aged 14-18 have experimented with vaping, exceeding the 29% who have tried cigarettes. Health officials cite the health risks associated with both vaping and energy drinks, including lung problems and cardiovascular issues, as justification for the ban. Galicia’s health minister Antonio Gómez described the move as ‘bold and evidence-based’.
(Source：The Olive Press)
