Hospitality sector warns of ‘negative impact on tourism’ of new smoking laws
The Spanish Government has approved a draft reform of the country’s tobacco control law that will prohibit smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco based device in a wide range of public spaces, including all bar and restaurant terraces, public swimming pools, bus shelters, and sports facilities, among others.
The new legislation, announced yesterday (Tuesday) by the Minister of Health, Mónica García, forms part of a modification to Law 28/2005 on measures against smoking, applies to tall of Spain, including the Canary Islands.
Presenting the changes, the Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to public health, stating: “We will always put people’s health before commercial interests. Tobacco kills 140 people every day in Spain, and everyone has the right to breathe clean air.”
The restrictions will extend smoke-free spaces to include terraces, school playgrounds, university campuses, sports grounds, swimming pools, bus and train stations, and all vehicles used for work purposes.
Hospitality sector voices strong opposition
The announcement has been met with fierce criticism from the hospitality industry. Hostelería de España, the organisation representing more than 270,000 establishments across the country, has described the measure as “disproportionate”, warning of its “negative impact on tourism and Spain’s international image.”
Its president, José Luis Álvarez Almeida, argued that terraces are essential to the country’s social and economic life:
“It is vital to guarantee coexistence without imposing additional burdens on hospitality professionals. Terraces are key to employment, business activity, and the tourist experience. We urge the government to reconsider this decision and remain open to dialogue.”
The association also stressed that the ban could leave staff responsible for policing customers, creating unnecessary conflict, and pointed out that Spain would become one of the few European countries with such strict rules, with Sweden being the only other nation with comparable restrictions, while major tourist destinations such as France have chosen not to ban smoking on terraces.
Public opinion divided
A recent survey by 40dB for Hostelería de España found that almost 70% of Spaniards believe awareness campaigns are more effective than outright bans in reducing tobacco consumption.
More than half (56%) said banning smoking on terraces is not an urgent priority, while 62.6% feared it could harm Spain’s image as a tourist destination.
The poll also revealed concerns that the prohibition might drive smokers indoors into private homes, potentially increasing exposure to smoke in poorly ventilated spaces.
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