Smoking in Spain could soon look very different following the Spanish Government’s approval of a major overhaul of the country’s tobacco laws. Although the proposals have not yet become law and still require Parliamentary approval, they represent the biggest changes to smoking in Spain since smoking was banned inside bars, restaurants and other enclosed public places over a decade ago.
If approved, the new legislation will significantly expand the number of smoke-free public spaces, introduce tougher rules for vaping, and create new penalties for underage smokers.
Smoke-Free Areas Set to Expand
The biggest change under the proposed legislation is the dramatic expansion of locations where smoking and vaping would be prohibited.
Currently, many outdoor spaces still allow smoking. However, under the proposed reforms, both traditional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes would be banned in a wide range of public areas.
These include:
- Bar and restaurant terraces
- Beaches
- Riverbanks
- Public swimming pools
- University campuses
- Sports facilities
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- Public events
The restrictions would also extend to commercial vehicles unless they are being used purely for private purposes.
For many visitors and residents, this would be one of the most noticeable changes to everyday life in Spain.
New Smoke-Free Zones Around Public Buildings
The proposed reforms also introduce buffer zones around locations frequently used by children and vulnerable people.
A 15-metre smoke-free zone would be created around:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Healthcare centres
- Museums
- Libraries
- Research facilities
- Children’s playgrounds
Within these areas, both smoking and vaping would be prohibited.
Interestingly, nicotine pouches would not be included within these restrictions because they do not produce smoke or vapour.
Vaping in Spain Faces Tougher Rules
One of the biggest changes involves vaping products.
Until now, electronic cigarettes have often been treated differently from traditional tobacco.
Under the proposed legislation, vaping devices would be subject to exactly the same restrictions as cigarettes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
The Government also plans to tighten the sale of vaping products.
Instead of being widely available in convenience stores and other retailers, they would only be sold through authorised tobacco outlets if the proposals become law.
Officials believe this will help reduce the appeal of vaping, particularly among teenagers.
New Rules for Under-18s
For the first time, smoking in Spain would become directly illegal for anyone under the age of 18.
Previously, Spanish law prohibited the sale of tobacco products to minors, but there was no specific offence covering young people actually smoking.
Under the new proposals, anyone under 18 caught smoking or vaping could face fines starting at €200.
Where the offender is a minor, parents or legal guardians would usually be responsible for paying the fine, although community service may be offered as an alternative.
The Government says the aim is to protect young people while reducing nicotine addiction at an early age.
Why Is Spain Tightening the Rules?
Health officials point to increasing concerns over vaping among teenagers.
According to Spain’s 2025 ESTUDES survey, almost half (49.5%) of teenagers aged 14 to 18 have tried an electronic cigarette.
Meanwhile, the proportion who reported vaping during the previous month has almost doubled since 2019.
Traditional cigarette smoking among teenagers has continued to decline, but officials are concerned that vaping may simply be replacing conventional tobacco use.
Advertising Restrictions Could Become Much Stricter
The proposals don’t stop at where people can smoke.
Advertising rules would also become considerably stricter.
Displays promoting tobacco or vaping products would no longer be permitted in shop windows, hospitality venues or public spaces.
The restrictions would also extend to vending machines, websites and other forms of direct or indirect advertising.
Television broadcasters and online media platforms would also face tighter controls, with presenters and guests no longer permitted to be shown smoking or vaping during programmes. Tobacco branding, logos and product placement would also be prohibited.
Has the Law Already Changed?
No.
Although the Council of Ministers has approved the proposals, they have not yet become law.
The legislation must still pass through the Spanish Parliament before any of the new measures can be introduced.
As with many pieces of legislation, amendments may still be made during the parliamentary process before a final version is approved.
For now, residents, landlords, hospitality businesses and visitors should view these proposals as significant changes that may be coming rather than rules that are already in force.
With smoking in Spain already becoming increasingly restricted over recent decades, this latest reform could represent another major shift in how tobacco and vaping are regulated across the country.
