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

New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Warns on Illicit Cigarettes as Legal Tobacco Sales Halve Over Decade
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Warns on Illicit Cigarettes as Legal Tobacco Sales Halve Over Decade
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said legal tobacco sales in the country have fallen by more than half over the past decade, with sales declining more than 20% in 2025 compared with the previous year. She warned that the decline may not fully reflect lower smoking rates, as increased availability of illicit cigarettes could also be contributing. The government said it would continue strengthening tobacco and vape retail enforcement while monitoring the impact of illicit tobacco on public health and tax revenue.
Aug.26
PMI Global R&D Chief Meets Chinese Tobacco Regulator as China Advances Heated Cigarette Standards
PMI Global R&D Chief Meets Chinese Tobacco Regulator as China Advances Heated Cigarette Standards
Philip Morris International’s global R&D chief Michele Cattoni met Liu Sanjiang, deputy director of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, in Beijing on Aug. 27. The meeting comes as China advances mandatory standards for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, laying groundwork for their domestic introduction. Cattoni has held senior roles in PMI’s heated tobacco development, while China’s draft standard covers multiple heating architectures, including systems similar in principle to PMI’s IQOS ILUMA technology.
Aug.27
InterTabac 2026: Further Sessions on Regulation, Market Access and Innovation Confirmed; 2FIRSTS to Host China Market Forum
InterTabac 2026: Further Sessions on Regulation, Market Access and Innovation Confirmed; 2FIRSTS to Host China Market Forum
InterTabac 2026 will bring together international experts to discuss European regulation, tax policy, Track & Trace, market access, retail impacts, consumer behavior and innovation. Sessions will also examine Poland’s tobacco-growing perspective and the growing fragmentation of Europe’s tobacco and nicotine market. Media partner 2FIRSTS will host the second “2FIRSTS Connect at InterTabac” on September 16, focusing on developments in China’s tobacco and nicotine industry.
Aug.06
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
South Korean electronics component supplier ITM Semiconductor is reshaping its business portfolio after a decline in Apple-related protection circuit business, expanding its supply of vape devices and cartridges to KT&G. According to News1 on August 18, 2026, ITM’s vape-related revenue rose 24.8% year on year to 75.5 billion won in the first half of 2026. The company began mass production of vape devices at its Cikarang, Indonesia facility in January 2026, strengthening export manufacturing capacity. Meanwhile, Samsung-related protection circuit sales continued to grow, providing support during the transition.
Aug.20
Vape Industry Group Loses Alabama Court Fight as State Tightens Rules on Imported Products
Vape Industry Group Loses Alabama Court Fight as State Tightens Rules on Imported Products
The Alabama Supreme Court affirmed a lower court’s refusal to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the state’s 2025 electronic nicotine delivery systems law, allowing rules requiring covered products to be U.S.-made or FDA-authorized to remain in effect.
Jul.10
Philip Morris Italia Invests €1 Million to Upgrade Retail Network, Supporting 45,000 Tobacco Shops in Smoke-Free Shift
Philip Morris Italia Invests €1 Million to Upgrade Retail Network, Supporting 45,000 Tobacco Shops in Smoke-Free Shift
Philip Morris Italia has launched the Trade Academy program, investing €1 million to provide training and development support for approximately 45,000 tobacco retailers in Italy. The initiative aims to strengthen retailers’ capabilities in heated tobacco products, digital tools and consumer services. The move reflects how nicotine companies are increasingly investing in retail networks and frontline capabilities as new nicotine products become more important in the market.
Jul.28