Catalan public health favors expanding smoke-free areas: 'We need to take decisive action'

The Catalan public health secretary, Esteve Fernández, favors the reform that Spain's health ministry is preparing on the current anti-smoking law. He backs the idea of expanding the smoke-free areas as it is necessary to "take decisive action," he said.

Spain is planning a smoking ban – including vapes – covering school premises, work vehicles, outdoor leisure areas, university campuses, sports facilities, and public swimming pools.

"We must back this new law for it to become a reality and therefore fight against smoking," he added.

Health minister Mónica García announced that her ministry's draft anti-smoking law reform includes a ban in these spaces, in addition to those already announced, such as bar, café, and restaurant terraces and transport shelters.

She stated that "it is time to be ambitious in the fight against tobacco use, one of the main threats to public health, which causes 30% of cancers."

A similar message from Fernández, who backs adding more smoke-free zones as smoking is a health threat and "troubles non-smokers."

The proposal still needs cabinet approval before being brought to Congress, where the government must seek support from other parties to pass the reform.