The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved a draft of the country's new Tobacco Law, initiating its parliamentary review in the Cortes Generales. The law will take effect 20 days after its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE), with businesses receiving a two-month grace period to update their signage.
The reform expands smoke-free zones, applying identical restrictions to traditional tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not. Under the new rules, smoking and vaping are prohibited in the following areas:
- Hospitality Terraces: Outdoor seating at bars, restaurants, and cafes.
- Beaches and Pools: Maritime and river beaches, alongside public swimming pools.
- Educational Facilities: Schoolyards and outdoor university campuses.
- Protected Perimeters: A 15-meter radius around entrances to public buildings, hospitals, social centers, museums, libraries, and playgrounds.
- Sports and Entertainment: Stadiums, sports facilities, outdoor concerts, festivals, and open-air theaters.
- Transit and Workspaces: Public transport platforms, shelters, and shared work vehicles (such as taxis and commercial cars).
- Natural Spaces: Protected national parks.
Beyond spatial restrictions, the law introduces a ban on tobacco and vape consumption by minors under 18. Previously, only the sale of these products to minors was prohibited. Under the new framework, parents or legal guardians will be held financially responsible if a minor is caught violating the law.
The law also removes disposable vapes from the Spanish market entirely, citing their ecological impact and appeal to youth. Additionally, online promotion of vaping products is banned, including influencer marketing and social media sponsorships. Violations carry fines starting at €200 for minor offenses and scaling up to €600,000 for very serious breaches.
Vape Industry Content Creator | Product Reviewer | Harm Reduction Advocate
Daniel Brooks is a vape industry content creator with a strong focus on product reviews, device performance, and consumer education. With extensive hands-on experience using disposable vapes, pod systems, and e-liquids, Daniel provides practical, unbiased insights for adult consumers.
