Spain has taken a significant step in its public health strategy by approving a draft law designed to curb tobacco consumption and adapt to modern nicotine products. The Council of Ministers greenlit the proposal on Tuesday, initiating a parliamentary process in the Cortes Generales that aims to update regulations which have remained largely unchanged since 2005. This reform is a core component of the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use 2024-2027.
The Ministry of Health stated that the legislation seeks to address the rapid emergence of products such as electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and shisha pipes, closing legal loopholes that currently exist. Health Minister Mónica García emphasized the necessity of the move, noting that smoking contributes to approximately 50,000 deaths annually in Spain. She argued that citizens should be able to enjoy leisure spaces without being exposed to secondhand smoke, stating that tobacco smoke should not be part of the dining experience on hospitality terraces.
If enacted, the law will implement broad bans on tobacco and e-cigarette use in several public areas. These include the terraces of bars and restaurants, sea and river beaches, public swimming pools, sports facilities, national parks, and venues hosting public events. Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of 15-metre "protection zones" around the entrances to schools, hospitals, libraries, museums, cultural centers, and children’s playgrounds.
The government noted that while the prevalence of daily smokers aged 14 to 18 has dropped to 4.3%—the lowest figure since 1994—tobacco use within this age group remains a concern, with a 15.5% prevalence reported in the past month according to the Estudes 2025 survey. The draft maintains the existing ban on nicotine pouches for minors but excludes these specific products from the new smoke-free space expansions.
Certain measures present in a 2025 draft, such as the ban on disposable vapes and plain packaging, have been temporarily removed to allow for further alignment with European regulations, though the government intends to reintroduce them during the parliamentary process. The updated law also introduces a revised penalty system, with potential fines for violations ranging from 200 to 600,000 euros depending on the severity of the offense.
Once the legislation is formally approved and published in the Official State Gazette, it will take effect after 20 days. Businesses and institutions will then be granted a two-month window to update their signage to reflect the newly established smoke-free boundaries.
