Spain Moves to Ban Smoking on Terraces, Extend Vaping Regulation
Spain proposes banning smoking on outdoor terraces and regulating vaping products similarly to traditional cigarettes.Summary
Spain's Health Minister, Monica Garcia, has announced a draft bill to ban smoking on outdoor bar and restaurant terraces and expand smoke-free zones. The proposal aims to address public health threats, noting that smoking is linked to 30% of cancers in Spain and causes approximately 50,000 deaths annually.
The legislation seeks to regulate e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, hookahs, and heated tobacco devices under the same restrictions as conventional cigarettes. Additionally, smoking will be prohibited within 15 meters of public building entrances, playgrounds, and health or educational centers, as well as in work vehicles and sports facilities.
The bill faces political hurdles, as the opposition People's Party has requested designated smoking areas to protect the hospitality sector. Industry lobbyists have expressed concerns that the ban might inadvertently increase second-hand smoke exposure by driving smokers into private indoor spaces.
(Source：Global Banking & Finance Review)
