Canaries Government wants smoking banned on all bar and restaurant terraces

The Canary Islands Government is set to officially propose significant amendments to smoking regulations, including banning smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, at bus stops, and in outdoor sports areas. Additionally, they aim to tighten restrictions on the sale of vaping products. These proposals will be presented at the upcoming Interterritorial Health Council meeting, where regional authorities will discuss a new Comprehensive Plan against Smoking with the national Ministry of Health.

According to sources from the Ministry of Health, while generally supportive of the plan, the Canary Islands government has outlined several suggestions. One key concern is the need for clear financial planning to ensure the viability of proposed measures. They emphasise the importance of detailing how resources will be allocated among regions, as they will bear the primary responsibility for implementing the plan.

In terms of smoke-free spaces, the Canary Islands Health Ministry advocates for precise delineation to protect against passive smoking and to convey an anti-smoking message effectively. Proposed smoke-free areas include outdoor bar and restaurant terraces, outdoor sports facilities, bus stop shelters, and areas around entrances to smoke-free zones such as schools and healthcare facilities.

The government also seeks to regulate electronic cigarettes and vaping products similarly to tobacco for fiscal and legislative purposes. They propose prohibiting the sale of single-use vapes due to environmental concerns over their non-biodegradable components.

Legislatively, the Canary Islands recommend national regulation to ensure uniform application of anti-smoking measures across the country. They suggest consolidating all relevant regulations into a new Smoking Law.

Furthermore, they advocate for restrictions on the sale and advertising of nicotine-releasing electronic devices, even those without nicotine, to prevent encouraging youths into tobacco use.

Among the proposals, the possibility of introducing generic packaging for cigarettes, and removing brand logos, has drawn attention. While the Canary Islands government requests updated data on its implementation in countries like the UK and Australia, industry representatives in the region have expressed concerns about potential job losses.

Overall, the proposed measures aim to strengthen tobacco control efforts and mitigate the public health risks associated with smoking and vaping. The forthcoming discussions at the Interterritorial Health Council will provide an opportunity for further debate and potential refinement of these proposals.