In a press conference yesterday (Monday), the Minister of Health for Spain, Mónica García, announced her commitment to implement the long-stalled draft of the Comprehensive Smoking Prevention and Control Plan for 2021-2025. The plan, which has been dormant for three years, includes a proposal to prohibit smoking on the terraces of bars and restaurants, as well as on beaches and in private cars.
Garcia confirmed that she intends to introduce this nationwide as soon as possible, including in the Canary Islands, with the designation of 'smoke-free' spaces to be maintained, though she emphasized that each case would be individually assessed for potential expansion. Bars and restaurants will have to have a designated smoking area away from any tables and other clients on open or closed terraces, or off the premises altogether.
"We will review cases individually, always prioritizing health. We cannot turn our backs on the single measure that can contribute the most years of life and improved quality of life to the population," she said.
García further explained that the regulation of vaping would be incorporated into the plan to restrict its usage, with a particular focus on disposable devices. There is a European consensus to adopt more stringent measures due to their negative impact on the environment.
"Conventional vaping devices must indeed be brought into the legislative framework, but on par with what would apply to other tobacco-derived products," defended the newly appointed Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla.
