Spain Approves Draft Law Banning Smoking, Vaping In Outdoor Public Places

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, Spain's government on Tuesday, July 21, approved a draft law that would ban smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in outdoor public places such as bar terraces, parks and beaches. The draft would also prohibit minors from smoking and bar advertising, promotion or sponsorship of tobacco products, which it said pose serious health risks including cancer. Spain's Health Minister Garcia said the proposal expands tobacco restrictions beyond the indoor smoking ban introduced in 2010, with the aim of better protecting public health and moving toward a smoke-free generation. She said in a news conference that clean air in public spaces should become the norm, and that pregnant women and asthma patients should be able to dine on restaurant terraces without worrying about smoke from nearby tables. The draft still needs parliamentary approval, and the government does not hold a majority in parliament. Spain's Health Ministry said in 2024 that about 26% of adults in Spain smoked daily, while Garcia said smoking causes about 50,000 deaths a year in Spain and is a risk factor in about 30% of cancer cases.