Smoking or vaping on the terraces of bars and restaurants, as well as on beaches, swimming pools or marquees, is one step closer to becoming a prohibited practice. The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday, in the second round, the draft of the new anti-smoking law, which will now begin its parliamentary processing in the Congress of Deputies.
The reform updates the Tobacco Act of 2005 to adapt it to new nicotine-related products and expand smoke-free spaces. Among the main novelties is the ban on smoking and vaping on hospitality terraces, a measure that, if definitively approved, will also affect the beaches.
Image credit and citations: Mi Playa de Las Canteras.
The Government has approved this Tuesday in the second round the draft of the anti-smoking law that equates electronic cigarettes and vapers to conventional tobacco, in which it extends smoke-free spaces to terraces, beaches, swimming pools and canopies, and restricts the sale of new products to specialized establishments.
The Council of Ministers has given the green light to begin its parliamentary processing in Congress to the new regulations that reform the 2005 law to adapt the legislation to new tobacco-related products and strengthen the protection of children and adolescents.
Citations: Agencia Sinc
Under the plans, smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes would no longer be allowed in:
- Bar and restaurant terraces
- Beaches and riverbanks
- Public swimming pools
- Sports facilities
- University campuses
- Outdoor concerts, festivals and public events
Despite being approved by the Council of Ministers, the legislation has not yet become law.
It will now be debated in Spain’s Parliament, where the Government must secure enough support for it to pass. Opposition parties, including the Popular Party (PP), have said they will examine the final text before deciding whether to back the reforms.
Citations: Canarian Weekly.