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Brits heading to Spain face new rule that could leave tourists facing eye-watering fines

Brits heading to Spain could face eye-watering fines under proposed anti-smoking rules set to ban vaping and cigarettes across popular tourist spots

[Brits planning a trip to Spain may soon need to leave their cigarettes behind when heading to the beach]

Brits planning a trip to Spain may soon need to leave their cigarettes behind when heading to the beach(Image: Getty)

Sun-seeking Brits planning a trip to Spain may soon need to leave their cigarettes and vapes behind when heading to the beach or grabbing a pint outdoors. The Spanish government has given the green light to draft legislation under its Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan 2024-2027, which could see smoking and vaping outlawed in a wave of popular public spaces.

If approved by parliament, the sweeping new laws would ban smoking and vaping on sea and river beaches, public swimming pools, bar and restaurant terraces, sports facilities, national parks and at open-air events.

To top it off, strict 15-metre smoke-free buffer zones would be established around entrances to key public locations, including schools, hospitals, universities, libraries, museums, sports venues, cultural spots and children's play areas.

[The sweeping new laws would ban smoking and vaping on sea and river beaches]

The sweeping new laws would ban smoking and vaping on sea and river beaches(Image: Getty)

Health Minister Monica Garca said that the crackdown aims to safeguard non-smokers from second-hand fumes and address the sharp rise in alternative nicotine devices, reports the Express.

She said: "Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their leisure time freely on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu."

The crackdown also targets underage tobacco use. While selling tobacco to minors is already illegal, the proposed bill explicitly bans under-18s from smoking or vaping altogether.

[The crackdown aims to safeguard non-smokers from second-hand fumes]

The crackdown aims to safeguard non-smokers from second-hand fumes(Image: Getty)

Minors caught breaking the rules could face fines starting at 200 (173), though community service may be offered as an alternative.

Furthermore, the bill aims to close loopholes surrounding alternative nicotine products while clamping down on advertising and sponsorship.

Specialist tobacco retailers would no longer be allowed to display adverts visible from the street. Tourists who fall foul of the new regulations could be hit in the pocket.

Local media reports indicate that fines for minor breaches will start at 200 (173), while severe violations could command penalties reaching an eye-watering 600,000 (520,000).

The draft bill must still pass through Spain's parliament to become law. If passed, it will take effect 20 days after being published in the official gazette, after which businesses will have a two-month grace period to update their signage.

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