Spain has taken another major step in its public health campaign. The government has approved a draft law that would tighten anti-smoking regulations across the country.
_x000D_The proposal now moves to parliament for debate. It introduces wider smoke-free zones, stricter vaping rules and stronger protections for children and teenagers.
_x000D_ _x000D_Smoking Ban Expands to More Public Spaces
_x000D_If lawmakers approve the bill, people will no longer be allowed to smoke or vape in many outdoor public places.
_x000D_The ban will cover restaurant and café terraces, beaches, public swimming pools, sports venues, national parks and outdoor event spaces.
_x000D_In addition, the government plans to create 15-metre smoke-free zones around hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, museums, playgrounds and other public buildings.
_x000D_Health officials say these measures will protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. They also hope the rules will encourage healthier public spaces.
_x000D_ _x000D_Government Targets Youth Smoking
_x000D_The proposal will make it illegal for anyone under 18 to use tobacco products or nicotine devices.
_x000D_Previously, the law only banned the sale of tobacco to minors. Now, the government also wants to stop underage consumption.
_x000D_Officials believe this step will reduce nicotine addiction among young people.
_x000D_ _x000D_Vaping Faces the Same Restrictions
_x000D_The government will apply the same rules to electronic cigarettes as traditional tobacco products.
_x000D_The restrictions will also cover shisha pipes, herbal smoking products and other nicotine alternatives.
_x000D_Furthermore, only authorised specialist retailers will be allowed to sell these products. Authorities will also tighten advertising and product display rules.
_x000D_ _x000D_Tobacco Advertising Rules Become Stricter
_x000D_The proposal introduces tougher restrictions on tobacco advertising across television, online platforms and vending machines.
_x000D_Public figures and media personalities will no longer be allowed to appear smoking or promoting tobacco products in audiovisual content.
_x000D_Likewise, tobacco brand names and logos will face tighter promotional restrictions.
_x000D_ _x000D_Heavy Fines for Breaking the Rules
_x000D_The government plans to introduce fines ranging from €200 to €600,000, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
_x000D_Minors who break the new smoking rules could receive fines starting at €200. However, authorities may replace financial penalties with community service in some cases.
_x000D_If parliament passes the legislation, the new rules will take effect 20 days after publication. Businesses and public institutions will then have two months to update signs and meet the new requirements.
