Spain’s Health Ministry has announced plans to expand the country’s anti-smoking laws, introducing new rules that would ban smoking in several public spaces where it’s still currently allowed. If approved, the new law will make it illegal to smoke on outdoor bar terraces, at festivals and parties, on university grounds, and even inside work vehicles.

Big Changes Ahead for Smokers

Health Minister Mónica García revealed the proposed law during a recent radio interview. She said the aim is to take a big step forward in tackling smoking across the country. ‘This should mark a before and after,’ she said, adding that Spain wants to be at the forefront of tobacco control in Europe.

If passed, the new rules would ban smoking in more everyday places, including:

• Work vehicles, even if only one person is inside
• Schoolyards and university grounds, including outdoor spaces
• Outdoor festivals and public events
• Bus shelters
• Public swimming pools and sports facilities
• Outdoor bar terraces, where smoking is still allowed in many areas

Importantly, the restrictions will apply to traditional cigarettes, as well as vapes and heated tobacco products.

Backed by Health Experts and Public Support

This law is part of Spain’s wider Anti-Tobacco Plan, which was approved last year. It’s backed by scientific research, supported by the European Union, and favoured by a large part of the population, including many smokers. The Health Ministry says it’s an important step to reduce secondhand smoke and prevent diseases like cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death in Spain. Smoking is responsible for about 30% of all cancer cases.

The law still needs to be approved by the Council of Ministers for a second time before heading to Parliament. There’s no fixed date for when this will happen, but the ministry hopes it’ll be soon.

Following Europe’s Lead

The proposal is in line with recommendations made by the European Commission in late 2024. That document encouraged all EU countries to ban smoking in places where children and families often gather, like parks, terraces, public transport stops, and outdoor leisure areas.

Spain’s new law reflects many of those same ideas, aiming to create cleaner, healthier public spaces.

What It Means for Daily Life

If the law goes ahead, it will mean big changes in everyday settings. Smokers will no longer be allowed to light up on terraces or while waiting at the bus stop. Employers will need to enforce the rules in work vehicles, and schools and universities will need to ensure their outdoor areas remain smoke-free.

The goal is to reduce smoking in public and protect everyone’s health, not just smokers, but the people around them, too.