Spain’s Council of Ministers approved a draft reform of tobacco law on 21 July 2026, sending it to the Cortes Generales, Spain’s parliament, for debate and possible amendment. If passed, the measure would prohibit smoking and vaping on bar and restaurant terraces, affecting customers and hospitality businesses that currently permit smoking outdoors.

According to the Ministry of Health, the bill updates Law 28/2005 on health measures against smoking. It aims to extend smoke-free areas, protect children and teenagers, and regulate newer products associated with tobacco use.

“Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their leisure time freely on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu,” Health Minister Mónica García said after the Council of Ministers meeting.

Terraces, beaches and public events among proposed smoke-free areas

The proposed restrictions would apply to tobacco and electronic cigarettes, including devices with and without nicotine. The Ministry says the reform responds to changing consumption patterns and products such as e-cigarettes, shisha pipes, nicotine pouches and herbal smoking products.

  • Terraces at bars, restaurants and other hospitality establishments.
  • Sea and river beaches, shared-use swimming pools, sports facilities and national parks.
  • Venues hosting public events, including theatres, cinemas and concerts.
  • Work vehicles, except when they are being used exclusively for personal purposes.

The draft also proposes 15-metre protection zones around entrances to public buildings, hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, museums, sports facilities, cultural centres and children’s playgrounds.

Under the bill, people under 18 would be prohibited from consuming tobacco products, rather than only being prohibited from buying or receiving them. The proposal also includes restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.

The Ministry of Health says sales and supply of newer smoking-related products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, would be limited to specialist shops. The bill must complete its parliamentary process in the Cortes Generales before any of the proposed bans take effect.

Primary sources: sanidad.gob.es, UPYCT, sanidad.gob.es. Reported by euronews.com, thelocal.es, rte.ie, News Desk, sciencemediacentre.es, Jessica Mouzo, russpain.com, Mike Macdonald, Pablo Sempere, tobaccopreventioncessation.com, Laurence Dollimore, Rocío Cruz, particle.news.