Spain's government is set to approve a sweeping tobacco law. The reform bans smoking for minors and in outdoor terraces, university campuses and commercial vehicles. E-cigarettes face tougher rules and higher fines are planned.
Spain is preparing to introduce its most significant anti-smoking legislation in over two decades, with the Council of Ministers expected to approve a new tobacco law that expands smoke-free zones and tightens controls on vaping devices. The draft, led by the Ministry of Health, will be sent to parliament for debate, where its future will depend on support from parties such as the PP and Junts.
The proposed law marks a sharp shift in public health policy. For the first time, it will make it illegal for minors not only to buy but also to smoke or use any tobacco-related products, including electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Parents of underage offenders could face fines starting at €200. This move builds on the 2005 law that banned smoking inside bars and restaurants, but now extends restrictions to a much wider range of public and semi-public spaces.
Under the new rules, smoking will be prohibited on terraces of bars and restaurants, at collective-use swimming pools, sports facilities, outdoor events, university campuses, and in commercial vehicles unless used exclusively for private purposes. The law also introduces reinforced protection zones around sensitive sites such as schools and healthcare centers, aiming to further reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
Another major change is the equal treatment of electronic cigarettes and traditional tobacco products, regardless of nicotine content. All forms of advertising and promotion, including signage in shop windows and bars, will be banned. The sale of vaping products and similar devices will be restricted to specialized outlets, ending their availability in convenience stores and bazaars. This step comes in response to recent data showing that, while daily smoking among 14- to 18-year-olds has dropped to a historic low of 4.3%, monthly tobacco use in this group remains high at 15.5%.
The reform also raises minimum fines for violations, with penalties starting at €200. The government aims to close regulatory gaps that have allowed new tobacco-related products to reach young people through seemingly less harmful forms and widespread retail access. By aligning the rules for e-cigarettes with those for traditional tobacco, authorities hope to prevent these products from becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction among youth.
In addition to the tobacco law, the Council of Ministers is expected to approve a new Medicines Law. Key measures include allowing identical medicines to compete on price in pharmacies, granting nurses and physiotherapists limited prescribing rights, and enabling innovative drugs to reach public hospitals faster, even before final pricing agreements are reached with pharmaceutical companies.
Spain's approach reflects a broader European trend toward stricter tobacco regulation. According to the World Health Organization, comprehensive smoke-free policies and advertising bans are among the most effective tools for reducing tobacco use and protecting public health. The new Spanish law, if passed, would place the country among those with the toughest anti-smoking measures in the EU. The focus on minors and the inclusion of vaping devices respond to changing consumption patterns and the emergence of new products that have challenged existing regulations.
For residents and businesses, the changes will mean adapting to new restrictions in daily life, especially in hospitality and leisure sectors. Enforcement will require coordination between local authorities and health agencies. The law's progress through parliament will be closely watched, as its final shape may depend on political negotiations and amendments. If enacted, the reform could set a new standard for tobacco control in Spain and influence similar initiatives elsewhere in Europe.
