Expanding Smoke-Free Areas and Banning E-Cigarettes in Spain

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.14.2023
Expanding Smoke-Free Areas and Banning E-Cigarettes in Spain
Spain's Ministry of Health is considering expanding smoke-free zones and banning e-cigarettes in a tobacco control plan.

According to a recent report by the European magazine, the Spanish Ministry of Health is considering a proposal to expand smoke-free zones and ban the use of e-cigarettes as part of an anti-tobacco initiative.

 

The Ministry of Health will expand the scope of smoke-free areas as a key initiative, which will include terraces, beaches, as well as vehicles with minors and pregnant women. This measure will encompass all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

 

The Minister of Health, Mónica García, and the Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, stated during a press conference:

 

We must reexamine this plan, as it is the only measure that can offer a longer lifespan and improved quality of life for the population, specifically by reducing smoking.

 

Garcia cited the draft of the "Comprehensive Smoking Prevention and Control Plan 2021-2025" formulated by her department in December 2019, which was ultimately finalized with input from the Scientific Association and the National Smoking Prevention Committee (CNPT). The plan aims to expand smoke-free areas, such as vehicles, beaches, or terraces where minors and pregnant women are present, as well as address new challenges posed by e-cigarette products.

 

Reducing the use of smoking and e-cigarettes has emerged as a key focus, confirmed Garcia. During this legislative period, the anti-tobacco initiative will primarily revolve around several laws aiming to decrease tobacco consumption, particularly among minors.

 

The Ministry of Health is set to regulate the use of e-cigarette devices, which former Health Minister José Miñones recognized as not being the smoking cessation method they are promoted to be. According to the National Tobacco Prevention Committee (CNPT), e-cigarettes increase the likelihood of becoming a traditional tobacco smoker fourfold.

 

In addition, 80% of underage smokers begin their habit with e-cigarettes.

 

The Andalusian region has recently announced a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, with the aim of addressing the issue of underage smoking.

 

If the "Smoking Prevention and Control Program" becomes law, smoke-free areas will expand. Not only will smoking be prohibited on terraces, but also in outdoor sports fields (such as football or athletics tracks) and outdoor areas where minors are expected to be present, including beaches.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysian Court Rules Liquid Nicotine Exemption Irrational, Renewing Vape Regulation Debate
Malaysian Court Rules Liquid Nicotine Exemption Irrational, Renewing Vape Regulation Debate
Malaysia’s High Court ruled that the government’s earlier decision to remove liquid nicotine from the country’s Poisons List was “irrational,” reigniting debate over vape regulation, illicit trade, and youth protection.
Regulations
May.18
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.
Special Report
May.14
UK Bill Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008 Clears Parliament
UK Bill Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008 Clears Parliament
A UK bill banning the legal sale of tobacco to people born on or after January 1, 2009 has completed its passage through parliament. Under the bill, those born in that group will never be able to be legally sold tobacco anywhere in the UK. The legislation is expected to receive royal assent next week. It also gives ministers powers to strengthen public-place smoking restrictions and restricts branding, promotion and advertising of vape and nicotine products aimed at children.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
The Azerbaijan Institute of Standardization (AZSTAND) has announced the cancellation of state standard AZS 941:2023, “Electronic Cigarettes. General Technical Specifications.”Under legal amendments adopted on December 30, 2025, Azerbaijan has prohibited from April 1, 2026 the import, export, manufacture, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of e-cigarettes and their components.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Group reported its first-quarter 2026 results on April 30. Net revenues were $5.43 billion, up 3.2% year on year, while revenues net of excise taxes were $4.76 billion, up 5.3%. Reported diluted EPS was $1.30, up more than 100%, and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.32, up 7.3%.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai