Spain plans to bid farewell to smoking on beaches and on bar terraces
News outlets in Spain as well as news agency Reuters report that Spain’s minority government unveiled a drastic anti-smoking bill last week.
It would outlaw lighting up in many outdoor public spaces, from beaches and bus stops to bar and restaurant terraces and sports stadiums. The measure also covers vaping and e-cigarettes, whose popularity among young people has surged.
“We’ll always put public health ahead of private interests,” Health Minister Mónica García told reporters. “Everyone has a right to breathe clean air and live longer, healthier lives.”
According to the Tobacco Atlas, a quarter of Spaniards are smoking, equivalent to over 10.1 million people. Tobacco Atlas indicate that 10% of all deaths in Spain are a consequence of smoking. Health ministry data show smoking kills more than 50,000 Spaniards annually—about 137 people every day.
The proposal, which still needs parliamentary approval, could be amended. The future law faces stiff pushback from the hospitality industry. Year-round outdoor terraces are a hallmark of Spanish social life and a favored spot for smokers. Indoor smoking has been banned since 2011.
Spain’s plan follows France’s July crackdown on smoking in public spaces, though Paris stopped short of restricting café terraces or e-cigarettes. Europe remains the world’s heaviest-smoking region, with roughly a quarter of adults lighting up.
The bill, approved by Spain’s cabinet, does not mandate plain cigarette packaging. In contrary to 25 countries which already implement it, according to the WHO.
Related News Stories: Spain cracks down on Airbnb listings An endless strike to affect Ryanair ground handling in Spain ? Windstar Cruises Plans Second Solar Eclipse Cruise After First Sold ... Europe with less overseas travelers in summer 2025? Drydock worker strike causes Carnival ship cancelation Spanish flight attendants on easyJet to strike from June 25 to 27 Strikes to affect air and rail transport across Europe Paradores set to open 100th property in 2026 Air Archives - Page 1637 of 3192 - TravelMole Operators Archives - Page 456 of 1945 - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt