The Government to Ban Smoking in Outdoor Areas of Nightclubs, University Campuses, and Work Vehicles

The Government aims to be "ambitious in the fight against smoking." This was stated on Thursday by the Minister of Health, Monica Garcia, announcing that the Executive is working on the reform of the Tobacco Law, which will include the expansion of smoke-free areas among its main novelties.

Among these areas are school courtyards or university campuses, as well as sports facilities, public swimming pools, bus shelters, and the exteriors of party venues. Transport shelters and vehicles for work purposes will also be included.

The measure also includes the regulation of the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices, which will be normatively equated to conventional tobacco regarding usage restrictions in public spaces.

The royal decree developing this regulation has already been submitted to the European framework for evaluation and comments, and the minister assured that the Government wants to move quickly in this regulatory process: "We hope that the draft law can be unveiled soon and become a reality as soon as possible. Every space gained from tobacco smoke is a space gained for health and life."

This legal reform is part of a broader national strategy to combat smoking, which also includes funding for smoking cessation treatments through the National Health System, the regulation and control of new consumption devices, and increased taxation on tobacco-related products.

Minister Garcia justified the regulation by stating that smoking is "one of the main threats to public health, causing 30% of cancers." She also affirmed that the selection of smoke-free spaces "is supported by scientific evidence, international experience, and the recommendations of the European Union. Furthermore, the decision is backed by a majority of citizens, including smokers, who urge us to be firm against the scourge of tobacco."