The Council of Ministers has adopted a step that will alter numerous processes. It has adopted the draft of the anti-smoking bill, and the headline measure leaves little doubt: smoking will be prohibited on the terraces of bars and restaurants.
However, the reform goes beyond. For the first time, minors will be restricted from both purchasing and smoking tobacco. And vaping is associated with regular cigarettes. Vapes, shishas, and nicotine pouches are considered conventional tobacco products.
Health Minister Mónica García stated, “True freedom is breathing clean air.” And, the truth is, the measure still needs to pass through Congress, where a majority is not guaranteed. However, the argument is already taking place in the streets, from Ruzafa bars to Malvarrosa terraces.
New revisions to the anti-smoking law
The planned anti-smoking law does not end with terraces. It also prohibits tobacco and vaping inside a 15-meter zone around schools, hospitals, and playgrounds. Smoking will not be permitted in universities, public swimming pools, sports arenas, outdoor activities, or work vehicles.
Another significant change: children will no longer be excluded. Up until recently, only sales were restricted. They may face fines under this reform if they use cigarettes or vape goods. A shift aimed at preventing the habit from developing after puberty.
Furthermore, everything about vaping is regulated. From heated tobacco devices to shishas and e-cigarettes. Their advertising, sponsorship, or promotion is removed from social media, concerts, and bars. The goal is clear: to break the relationship between tobacco and youth leisure activities.
E-cigarettes, advertising, and everything that was left out
The rule also prohibits single-use e-cigarettes, which generate tonnes of waste and have increased teenage consumption. Beware of advertising: the text includes fines of up to €600,000 for individuals who break promotion and advertising restrictions.
Plain packaging, however, will not be seen for the time being. This proposal, which was already in effect in over 20 nations, was removed from the text due to industry pressure and concerns raised by the CNMC. There will also be no rise in tobacco taxes, despite the fact that the Ministry of Health requested it in a preliminary draft.
Mónica García believes Spain is once again leading the fight against smoking, as it was in 2005 and 2010. The question now is whether the legislation will withstand the political fight in Congress. Meanwhile, Valencian terraces are already imagining the future, smoke-free normal.
Author: Derek Appleton
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