Spain targets e-cigarettes and smoke-free spaces in tobacco law amendment

The Spanish Ministry of Health has received 853 public feedback submissions on the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Control Law, according to Redaccion Medica on November 5. 

The proposal aims to regulate the advertising of tobacco products, promote smoke-free environments, and restrict the sale of e-cigarettes.

The public consultation gathered input from a variety of sectors, including hospitality, unions, and national tourism. Additionally, feedback from 14 foreign entities was included. In its parliamentary response, the Spanish government stated that the tobacco law reform aims to restrict new tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, promote more smoke-free spaces, and align with the Prevention and Control of Smoking 2024-2027。

Prominent organizations such as the Spanish Association Against Cancer, Nofumadores.org, the General Council of Official Pharmacists, and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology submitted their own feedback. 

Other contributors included the General Council of Nursing, the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery, the Health Ministry of Galicia, and the Barcelona Public Health Agency, along with the World Federation of the Deaf.

The government is preparing an assessment document that will include all opinions received. Once published, a new round of hearings and information-sharing will commence, allowing stakeholders to submit additional comments. Relevant ministries and agencies involved in tobacco regulation will also be informed and consulted according to applicable regulations. 

The government clarified in its response that, given the volume of regulations and feedback, the Ministry of Health will not respond individually to each participant. The aim is to integrate all perspectives received and advance a regulatory framework to address the evolving challenges of tobacco consumption in Spain.

In addition to this anti-tobacco legislative measure, the Council of Ministers last month approved the Prevention and Control of Smoking 2024-2027, which underscores the need to regulate tobacco sales and consumption, aiming to legislate e-cigarettes in alignment with traditional products. 

The plan proposes strengthening sales monitoring and regulation, particularly in retail and online settings, with a focus on limiting youth exposure to these products. In the short term, the goal is to reduce “covert advertising” and “promotional activities” on social media and other platforms. Expanding smoke-free areas is also encouraged to help non-smokers experience reduced exposure to tobacco in their daily lives.