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ON THURSDAY, MAY 29, THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT UNVEILED AMENDMENTS TO ITS ANTI-TOBACCO LAW, EXPANDING THE PROHIBITION OF SMOKING AND VAPING IN PUBLIC SPACES. 14:41, 30 May 2025Updated 14:43, 30
May 2025 Majorca is enacting a major crackdown around terraces nightclubs and swimming pools. On Thursday, May 29, the Spanish government unveiled amendments to its Anti-Tobacco Law,
expanding the prohibition of smoking and vaping in public spaces. Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, confirmed that the new anti-smoking draft bill has been completed. Although it still
awaits approval from the Council of Ministers and the Spanish Congress, the legislation aims to protect public health, with a special focus on vulnerable populations like children and
pregnant women. In a statement, García said: "We have always said it. It is time to be ambitious in the fight against smoking, one of the main threats to public health causing 30
percent of cancers." READ MORE LLOYDS BANK BRINGS IN BIG CHANGE AND ANYONE WHO IS IN A 'COUPLE' WILL BENEFIT García added that smoke-free public spaces "are backed by
scientific evidence, international experience" and EU recommendations, as well as being "supported by a majority of citizens, including smokers, who are asking us to take a firm
stance against the scourge of tobacco." Article continues below Currently, there are 50 beaches across the popular tourist islands that have been officially designated as “smoke-free”
or “healthy” zones. This initiative forms part of a broader campaign aimed at curbing tobacco use among young people. Recent findings from a drug use survey conducted in the Balearic Islands
reveal that 34.5% of students aged between 14 and 18 have tried smoking at least once, while 6.9% report smoking daily within the last month. In light of these concerning figures, regional
authorities within the Ministry of Health are intensifying efforts to educate young people about the risks associated with tobacco use. Their focus is on prevention and fostering healthier
lifestyle choices, which they consider meaningful steps forward in protecting public health. Article continues below Beyond the Balearics, the smoke-free beach initiative is expanding across
Spain. A total of 53 beaches in Andalucía, 61 in the Canary Islands, and 18 along the Costa del Sol have been declared smoke-free areas. Additionally, in Costa Blanca, a quarter of the
beaches now enforce bans on smoking, reflecting a growing commitment nationwide to creating cleaner, healthier public spaces.