Spain Introduces Outdoor Smoking Ban
Health Minister Monica Garcia cites EU recommendations and scientific evidence to justify the ban on vapes and e-cigarettes.
Esteve Fernandez urged Madrid to ban beach smoking last month.
28.9% of men and 22.6% of women in Spain smoke daily, causing over 50,000 annual tobacco-related deaths.
Barcelona beaches have been smoke-free since 2022, but enforcement is lax.
Bill faces criticism for allegedly yielding to tobacco industry pressure.
Lawmakers support the bill to align Spain with European smoke-averse policies.
1 week ago