Spain Proposes Strict Ban on Smoking in Outdoor Spaces

The Government of Spain approved a draft law in July 2026 to significantly expand smoke-free zones and tighten regulations on nicotine products. The proposed legislation extends bans on smoking and vaping to outdoor areas, including bar and restaurant terraces, coastal and river beaches, national parks, public swimming pools, sports facilities, and university campuses. It also establishes 15-meter enhanced protection zones around schools, hospitals, libraries, playgrounds, and museums.

The reform treats e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and hookahs with the same restrictions as traditional tobacco, limiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to specialist outlets and banning tobacco advertising in audiovisual content. For the first time, the law explicitly prohibits minors under 18 from consuming nicotine products, making parents or legal guardians liable for fines between 200 and 600 euros. Adults face similar fines for violations.

Health Minister Mónica García stated the measures aim to save between 100 million and 200 million euros in annual healthcare costs and address the approximately 50,000 annual smoking-related deaths in Spain. The bill now awaits approval from the Spanish parliament, where the minority ruling party lacks a majority. The opposition People's Party has conditioned its support on the creation of designated smoking areas to protect the hospitality sector.