Spain is set to ban smoking in most outdoor areas as part of an ‘ambitious’ plan to crackdown on the habit.
The new anti-smoking law is being finalised by the Ministry of Health and will see smoking banned on restaurant terraces, university campuses, outdoor party venues and bus shelters.
It will also be prohibited to smoke while inside a work vehicle, such as a van or truck.
Health Minister Monica Garcia told Cadena Ser that the new legislation will make a ‘turning point’ and place Spain ‘at the forefront of the fight against smoking.’
She said: ‘Smoking will not be allowed in work vehicles, nor will it be allowed in educational centres, including outdoor spaces such as school playgrounds or university campuses.
‘Sports facilities, communal swimming pools, bus shelters, and outdoor party venues will also be smoke-free.’
All these restrictions will apply to traditional tobacco, vapes and heated tobacco.
The law will need to pass a second round of voting before reaching the Congress of Deputies for parliamentary processing. Garcia said she hopes this will happen ‘soon’ but was unable to give a specific timeframe.
