Spain extends ban on smoking to vapes and outdoor terraces

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Spain has expanded its smoking regulations to include vaping products and has banned smoking on outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants, along with prohibiting smoking within 15 meters of public building entrances and other sensitive areas. These measures aim to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor, especially for vulnerable groups, while the government plans a phased implementation to balance public health goals with economic concerns from the hospitality sector.

Spain announced an expansion of its smoking regulations, introducing new restrictions on vaping products and banning smoking on outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants. The measures were outlined by the health minister on July 21, 2026, and aim to strengthen public health protections by broadening smoke-free environments.

Under the new rules, smoking will be prohibited within 15 meters of entrances to public buildings, playgrounds, and facilities related to health and education. The ban will also cover indoor spaces such as work vehicles, sports facilities, universities, public swimming pools, and venues hosting public events. These restrictions extend to a wide range of products, including e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, herbal inhalation items, hookahs, and heated tobacco devices, which will be regulated in the same manner as conventional cigarettes regardless of nicotine content. This marks the first occasion that such products are uniformly subjected to existing tobacco rules.

The initiative reflects the government’s objective to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor, particularly in areas where vulnerable populations such as children and workers may be present. By banning smoking on outdoor terraces at hospitality venues, Spain seeks to address concerns about the visibility and social normalization of tobacco use in public leisure settings.

The main opposition party, the People’s Party, has expressed conditional support for the measures. However, it has requested the establishment of designated smoking areas to provide alternatives for smokers. Additionally, the party seeks assurances that the hospitality industry will not experience undue economic harm as a result of these tighter regulations.

As the legislation moves forward, the government is expected to balance public health priorities with the interests of businesses affected by the expanded smoking bans. Enforcement details and implementation timelines have yet to be finalized, though authorities have indicated a phased approach may be considered to facilitate compliance.

This extension of smoking restrictions aligns with broader European trends aiming to reduce tobacco consumption and protect citizens from the health risks associated with smoking and vaping in shared environments.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.