The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved the new Tobacco Control Bill, a legislative update that expands smoke-free environments, strengthens the protection of children and adolescents, and adapts regulations to new tobacco-related products. The bill will now be submitted to Parliament for debate and approval.
The reform is part of Spain’s 2024-2027 Comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan and responds to changing consumption patterns, particularly among young people, as well as the growing popularity of products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shishas, and other devices associated with smoking.
More Smoke-Free Environments
One of the key features of the reform is the expansion of areas where smoking and the use of tobacco-related products will be prohibited. In addition to the existing restrictions, the ban will now apply to the terraces of bars and restaurants, coastal and inland beaches, public swimming pools, sports facilities, national parks, work vehicles, and venues hosting public events, including outdoor gatherings.
The law also introduces so-called enhanced protection zones, establishing smoke-free areas within a minimum radius of 15 metres around the entrances to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, social and cultural centres, sports venues, and other public facilities.
According to Health Minister Mónica García, the aim is to “expand the right to breathe clean air” and continue advancing the denormalisation of tobacco use in shared spaces.
Regulation of New Tobacco-Related Products
The reform aligns the regulation of tobacco-related products with that of conventional tobacco. This includes e-cigarettes with or without nicotine, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, and herbal products used for smoking or vaping.
In addition, the sale and distribution of these products will be restricted to specialised retailers, which will not be allowed to display advertising or signage visible from outside their premises. The legislation also strengthens restrictions on promotion, advertising, and sponsorship.
Use Prohibited for Minors
The new law further strengthens the protection of minors. For the first time, not only the sale of these products to individuals under the age of 18 will be prohibited, but also their use. This prohibition extends to electronic devices and all other tobacco-related products.
The Ministry of Health considers this update necessary to address the increasing use of new nicotine products among young people and to prevent these products from becoming a gateway to conventional tobacco use.
An Opportunity to Advance Public Health
According to the Tobacco Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), this reform represents an important step forward in tobacco prevention and in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke. Scientific evidence shows that expanding smoke-free environments helps protect public health, reduces the social normalisation of tobacco use, and supports smoking cessation efforts.
The proposed legislation therefore strengthens Spain’s tobacco control strategy and reinforces the institutional commitment to protecting future generations from one of the leading preventable causes of disease, premature death, and cancer.