The Ministry of Health is set to reform the Tobacco Law by expanding smoke-free public areas in an effort to protect public health and normalise non-smoking environments. Proposed changes include banning smoking in hospitality terraces, university campuses, educational institutions, sports facilities, transport shelters, workplace vehicles, and outdoor leisure areas. Minister Mónica García voiced strong support for this initiative, highlighting tobacco as a major public health threat, responsible for thirty percent of cancers.

The reform will align regulations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices with those of conventional tobacco products in public settings. García stressed the importance of evidence-based approaches and the requests from the majority of citizens, including smokers, for stricter measures against tobacco use. The Ministry aims to create safe and healthy environments, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant individuals.

García expressed urgency in the legislative process, aspiring for the draft law to be finalised swiftly. Each designated smoke-free area represents a victory for health, according to her remarks. This initiative forms part of a broader national strategy against tobacco, which includes funding for smoking cessation treatments, control of new consumption devices, and hikes in tobacco product taxes.

Finally, the Ministry underlined that this regulatory advancement aligns with efforts from other European Union member states. The measures meet international recommendations for safer environments and reinforce Spain’s commitment to health protection, along with the prevention of cancer and chronic diseases linked to tobacco use.