Spain to fine smokers up to €600 for lighting up in prohibited areas
Summary
The Spanish government has approved a draft law to update anti-smoking legislation, aiming to regulate electronic cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches alongside traditional tobacco. The new rules will ban smoking and vaping in numerous outdoor locations, including restaurant terraces, beaches, swimming pools, national parks, and near school entrances.
Key provisions include an explicit ban on tobacco consumption by minors, with fines for parents or guardians, and a new sanctions regime with fines ranging from €200 to €600,000. The law also restricts the sale of nicotine products to specialist shops and tightens advertising regulations across all media platforms.
Additionally, the legislation will reinstate the Observatory for the Prevention of Smoking to monitor public policies and smoking rates. The law will take effect 20 days after publication in the Official State Gazette, allowing businesses two months to implement necessary signage.
(Source:Majorca Daily Bulletin)