Spain restricts smoking in public spaces - Draft law aims to ban nicotine products on beaches, bars and restaurants
The Spanish government has approved a draft law restricting smoking in public places that could have a significant impact on tourists. The proposed legislation would ban smoking, the use of electronic cigarettes, herbal products, tobacco heating devices and other substances in outdoor spaces. These areas include sports stadiums, beaches, restaurant and bar terraces, children's play areas and educational institutions.
“We will always put public health above private interests,” said sources from the Ministry of Health. “Everyone has the right to live in clean air and live longer and healthier.”
The proposed measures have sparked opposition from restaurant and bar owners, who say Spain's year-round al fresco dining culture is heavily supported by patrons who smoke. The indoor smoking ban has been in place since 2011.
The draft could significantly change the experience of tourists visiting Spain's popular destinations. The country's appeal to travelers has traditionally included not only its climate and culture, but also the availability of duty-free tobacco products and the lower prices of cigarettes.
The law also calls for stricter controls on the marketing and distribution of vaping products and e-cigarettes. There is no exact date yet for when these measures will come into effect, as the draft must be approved by parliament and is subject to change.
Spain's approach mirrors similar action taken by France in July. The move reflects a broader European trend toward stricter tobacco regulations, despite the continent having the highest adult smoking rates, at around 25 percent.
Data from the health department shows that over 50,000 people die each year in Spain due to smoking, or around 137 deaths per day.
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