The Spanish Council of Ministers is approving a draft tobacco law today that extends smoking and vaping bans to key outdoor spaces, including bar terraces, university campuses, and open-air concerts. This reform, part of Spain’s National Prevention and Control Plan 2024-2027, targets the rising popularity of alternative nicotine products among youth.
The new regulations establish a clear legal framework for products that previously operated in a regulatory gray area. E-cigarettes (with or without nicotine), oral nicotine pouches, herbal smoking mixtures, shishas, and heated tobacco devices are now legally classified alongside traditional cigarettes.
Consequently, these products are banned in all closed public spaces and an expanded list of outdoor environments. Sales to minors are prohibited, and packaging must now display nicotine content and product characteristics.
The law expands smoke-free zones to protect public health and align with European Commission recommendations. Under the new rules, smoking and vaping are prohibited in the following areas:
- Hospitality terraces, bars, and outdoor dining areas.
- Educational institutions, including university campuses.
- Outdoor sports facilities, playgrounds, and swimming pools.
- Transit stations and passenger transport vehicles.
- Outdoor shows, cultural events, and open-air concerts.
The reform restricts commercial communication. All direct and indirect advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco and related products are banned across print, audiovisual, and digital platforms, including social media.
This ban extends to physical branding in public spaces. Bars, clubs, and terraces can no longer display signs, posters, or hospitality furniture (such as umbrellas or tables) featuring logos, images, or references to tobacco and vape brands.
