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Spain to Expand Smoke-Free Zones to Campuses, Outdoor Venues and Work Vehicles

The draft with majority public backing will go to the cabinet ahead of parliamentary debate to extend outdoor smoking bans.

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Campaña de concienciación contra el tabaco, esta mañana en Torrent.
Personas fumando en una terraza en València en una imagen de archivo.

Overview

  • The draft law would ban smoking in outdoor areas including university campuses, open-air discotheques, sports venues, bus shelters and work vehicles such as delivery vans.
  • Health ministry officials expect to present the draft to the Council of Ministers within weeks, with parliamentary debate in the Congress of Deputies to follow before enactment.
  • Tobacco caused over 63,000 preventable deaths in Spain last year, and health authorities note that most smokers begin around age 14, driving the push to close loopholes in youth-frequented spaces.
  • Public support is high, with nearly 80% of Valencians surveyed favoring new smoke-free zones, reflecting concern over second-hand smoke and youth vaping.
  • The initiative aligns Spain with broader European measures, mirroring France’s ban on smoking in beaches, parks and around schools effective July 1, 2025.