According to a report from TravelTomorrow on April 8th, the Canary Islands in Spain are considering banning smoking in cafes, restaurants, and outdoor terraces in an effort to reduce the risks of secondhand smoke and send a clear anti-smoking message. Sources from the Ministry of Health stated that government officials generally support this plan, while also suggesting expanding the smoking ban to sports facilities, bus stops, as well as external areas of schools and healthcare providers.
Furthermore, the Interterritorial Health Council is currently discussing a new "Comprehensive Smoking Ban Plan" that will regulate the sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products, and introduce tax suppression policies similar to those in other regions. Due to environmental concerns over their non-biodegradable components, disposable e-cigarettes (and even non-tobacco e-cigarette products) will be banned. Meanwhile, measures to place tobacco-related products in generic "plain packaging" are also under consideration.
The proposed legislation is widely seen as a positive public health measure, but unanswered questions include how funding for supporting and enforcing these measures will be allocated to different regions. Representatives from the tobacco industry have also expressed concerns about potential job losses in the area.
According to scholars from Las Palmas University, these islands are facing a series of existing problems, including poor sewage facilities, traffic congestion, and long-term housing shortages. Therefore, the priority of tobacco and e-cigarette regulations is bound to be controversial. Spanish authorities are asking countries such as the UK and Australia to provide evidence of impact to support this measure, as these countries have been selling tobacco products without branded packaging for years.
The Canary Islands are a holiday destination popular among sun lovers from Northern Europe. Just in 2023, the number of British tourists reached 5.7 million. Many tourists are willing to purchase duty-free goods and cheap tobacco products on the island. However, the demands and behavior of tourists have always been balanced against the needs of the local community, as they have grown weary of antisocial behavior and overcrowding.
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