Spain eyes smoking ban in schoolyards, university campuses, work vehicles, and outdoor leisure areas

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

Health minister Mónica García announced that the draft reform of the anti-smoking law being developed by her ministry includes a ban in these spaces, on top of those already announced, such as bar, café and restaurant terraces, and transport shelters.

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

The legislation includes regulation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices, which will be legally treated the same as conventional tobacco when it comes to public space restrictions.

The decree that outlines this regulation has already been submitted to the European framework for review and public comment.

The regulations have already been submitted to European authorities for evaluation and feedback.

Spain's Minister of Health, Mónica García, stated: "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."

García expressed hope that the draft law can be approved soon and said that it is part of the work being done in coordination with other EU member states through the council of health ministers.

All the measures are in line with international recommendations, according to the ministry.