British tourists and holidaymakers planning a trip to Spain should prepare for significant changes as the Spanish government moves to implement strict new regulations on smoking and vaping. Authorities have approved legislation proposing a comprehensive ban on the use of tobacco and nicotine products in a wide array of outdoor public spaces, including beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, and bus stops.
While Spain already enforces a nationwide ban on indoor smoking and vaping, this new bill significantly expands restrictions to the outdoors. The proposed rules will cover not just traditional cigarettes but also e-cigarettes (vapes), nicotine pouches, herbal products, shisha pipes, and heated tobacco devices. In addition to beaches and terraces, the ban is set to apply to sports stadiums, public swimming pools, train stations, playgrounds, and outdoor events like festivals.
Although the proposal has been approved by the government, it has not yet been formally enacted into law, and a specific enforcement date is pending. However, implementation is expected within the coming months. Travelers are advised to check the latest regulations before their trip. Currently, local bans are already in place in several hotspots; Barcelona's beaches have been smoke- and vape-free since 2022, and similar "clean-air zones" exist in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) and the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria), where fines for violations can range from €30 to €2,000.
The driving force behind these stricter measures is public health. Spain's health ministry reports that tobacco-related issues claim around 140 lives daily in the country and are linked to approximately 30% of cancer tumors. The legislation also includes a ban on the advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of these products to curb youth uptake. Citizen groups are even pushing for further protections against secondhand smoke entering private homes.
