British tourists issued £527k Spain holiday warning over new law | World | News

British tourists could face hefty fines after Spain introduced a new ban. Smoking has become a taboo in much of Europe as governments crack down on the habit in an effort to improve public health.

It was observed that smokers were prohibited from smoking in closed areas and had to go outside to smoke. But Spain has decided to expand smoke-free zones to include outdoor areas in its latest attempt to improve the country’s health. The new law bans smokers from smoking outdoors and covers bar and restaurant terraces, playgrounds, university campuses, bus stops, stations and public swimming pools.

The new rule has not yet come into force and an exact date for its full implementation has not been announced. Majorca Daily Bulletin.

Spain first implemented a ban on indoor smoking 14 years ago in 2011. According to health ministry data, approximately 50,000 Spaniards die each year due to smoking-related problems.

The new law will also ban smoking at festivals, concerts and outdoor shows, as well as within 15-metre areas around schools and hospitals.

Any smoker found to be breaking the new law could face fines of up to €600,000 (£527,000) in the most serious cases.

The legislation treats all nicotine products equally, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, hookahs and nicotine pouches.

The goal is to extend protection to non-smokers and reduce passive exposure in outdoor environments.

The hospitality industry criticized the ban as “disproportionate” and warned it could affect al fresco dining, tourism and nightlife.

Some argue that the law could shift smoking to private spaces, potentially increasing secondhand exposure indoors.

As a rule, the Spanish government increased the prices of most cigarette brands in the country by 25 cents per pack over the weekend.