Major Spain rule change everyone from UK must follow

Holidaymakers heading to Spain have been alerted of new rules that will soon be enforced across the country. The Spanish government announced changes to its Anti-Tobacco Law on Thursday, May 29, which will result in a wider ban on smoking and vaping in public areas.

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed that the country's new anti-smoking draft bill has been finalised. The proposed legislation, which still requires approval from the Council of Ministers and the Spanish Congress, seeks to safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

In a statement, Garcia 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."

Garcia 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."

The new Anti-smoking Law reforms establish a series of public spaces where smoking will be banned, including around swimming pools and sports facilities, bar and restaurant terraces, work vehicles, bus shelters, outdoor spaces belonging to nightclubs, and university campuses and educational establishments, including playgrounds.

The ministry has not yet confirmed the exact date these changes will take effect, though the legal process is well underway.

Smoking on beaches is also prohibited in many regions of Spain, with fines of up to 2,000 euros for those caught flouting the rules. The bans extend to vaping as well.