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They’ve been threatening this controversial move for a long time but the Spanish government is finally lighting the fuse on a major health reform: smoking is about to be banned in a wide range of outdoor spaces.

 

The country’s new anti-smoking law is in the final stages and when passed, it will outlaw smoking not just indoors, but also on bar terraces, in work vehicles and at public pools, among other places.

 

Minister of Health Mónica García confirmed the news on Thursday May 29, saying she hopes the legislation will mark "a turning point" and position Spain at the "forefront of the fight against smoking."

 

So what does this mean in practice? According to Ms García, "smoking will not be allowed in work vehicles, nor will it be allowed in educational centres, including outdoor spaces such as school playgrounds or university campuses."

 

The list goes on to include sports facilities, communal swimming pools, bus shelters and outdoor party venues. These restrictions will apply not only to traditional cigarettes, but also to vapes and heated tobacco products.

 

The Minister defended the contentious law, stressing Spain’s need to "be ambitious in the fight against smoking," which causes around 30% of all cancers today.

 

The law, which stems from the Anti-Smoking Plan approved a year ago, still needs to be reviewed in the Council of Ministers for a second round of voting before reaching the Congress of Deputies for parliamentary approval. The Minister of Health hopes this will happen "soon," although she hasn't given a specific timeframe.

 

According to officials, the proposed smoke-free zones are backed by solid scientific evidence, the European Union and most of the public - even many smokers themselves. Brussels has already laid the groundwork for this kind of legislation, publishing guidelines last September that recommend banning tobacco and e-cigarette use in terraces, public transport stops and other outdoor areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, amusement parks and swimming pools.

 

The new regulations will also cover outdoor areas linked to health and education facilities, public buildings and service establishments.

 

A separate royal decree, which is still awaiting European Union approval, will treat e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products exactly like conventional tobacco in terms of public use.

 

But the changes will not stop there. The government also plans to invest in public health by funding smoking cessation treatments through the National Health System. On top of that, there is a plan to raise taxes on all tobacco-related products once again.

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