Spain bans smoking and vaping on terraces – hoteliers warn of damage to tourism - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The reform prohibits smoking and vaping in a wide range of public areas, including restaurant terraces, swimming pools, and bus shelters.

Health first

Health Minister Mónica García justified the measure by invoking the “right to clean air.” Tobacco, she noted, claims around 140 lives each day in Spain. “We will always place health above commercial interests,” she stressed. The reform, backed by scientific evidence and broad public support, extends smoke-free areas to university campuses, schoolyards, sports facilities, train stations, and company vehicles.

Criticism from the hospitality sector

The association Hostelería de España, representing more than 270,000 hospitality businesses, called the measure “disproportionate.” Its president, José Luis Álvarez Almeida, warned of “a negative impact on tourism and the international image of the country.” Spain would become an exception in Europe, he said: while France explicitly excluded terraces from such bans, only Sweden has comparable restrictions.

The association also criticized the burden on restaurant staff, who would effectively be required to act as enforcers – a role they say could trigger conflicts with guests. “Terraces are a key space for the social and economic life of the country. Any decision must carefully weigh the consequences for jobs, business activity, tourism competitiveness, and the customer experience,” Almeida emphasized.

Public prefers awareness over bans

A recent survey by 40dB in cooperation with Hostelería de España found that nearly 70 percent of Spaniards consider information and awareness campaigns more effective than outright bans. Over half of respondents do not see a smoking ban on terraces as urgent. In addition, 85 percent expect smokers would simply move to nearby areas, creating new conflicts.

About 57 percent fear a “boomerang effect,” with gatherings shifting to private homes and increasing exposure to smoke in poorly ventilated spaces. Meanwhile, 62.6 percent of those surveyed believe the measure could harm Spain’s image as a tourist destination.

Image Credit: © AA