Public health officials in Catalonia, a popular Spanish holiday region, are advocating for a comprehensive ban on smoking at all beaches to prevent the habit from being normalized among young people. This regional push comes as Spain's national government is already drafting legislation to significantly expand smoke-free and vape-free zones across the country.
Esteve Fernandez, Catalonia's public health secretary, insisted, "It should not be expected for a child to think it is normal to smoke on the beach as if it were similar to swimming or playing with a ball." The city of Barcelona, the regional capital, already implemented a successful beach smoking ban in 2022.
At the national level, Spain's Health Minister, Mónica García, is "fully confident" that new measures will be in force by the end of next year. The proposed legislation aims to outlaw smoking and vaping in various settings, including the outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants, university campuses, schoolyards, and work vehicles. This would extend Spain's existing 2011 law, which banned smoking in most enclosed public spaces.
Proponents of the expanded ban cite crucial public health and environmental reasons. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death, and secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous for children. Additionally, discarded cigarette butts are a major source of environmental pollution, containing harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable plastic filters that can contaminate water and harm marine ecosystems. While some establishments currently choose to ban smoking on their terraces, the new national law would make it mandatory. Fines for smoking in currently prohibited areas can range from €30 to €600.
