Brits heading to Spain face new rule that could leave tourists facing eye-watering fines
New Spanish legislation may ban smoking and vaping in public spaces, potentially resulting in heavy fines for tourists.Summary
The Spanish government has approved draft legislation under its Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan 2024-2027, which aims to ban smoking and vaping in various public areas. If passed by parliament, the new rules would prohibit these activities on beaches, in public swimming pools, on restaurant terraces, in sports facilities, national parks, and at open-air events. Additionally, 15-metre smoke-free buffer zones would be established around entrances to schools, hospitals, and other key public locations.
Health Minister Monica García stated that the crackdown is designed to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and address the rise in nicotine device use. The bill also explicitly bans minors from smoking or vaping, with fines for underage violations starting at €200. For tourists and others, severe violations of these new regulations could result in massive penalties, with some reports suggesting fines could reach up to €600,000.
Once the bill passes parliament and is published in the official gazette, it will take effect after 20 days, with businesses given a two-month grace period to update their signage.
(Source：The daily Star)
