Madrid · Spain plans to introduce a complete ban on smoking outdoors, Portugal is focusing on prevention rather than bans. Both countries represent a growing European trend. The fundamental question is how far the government can go when it comes to smoking in public places.
Anyone who picks up a cigarette while on holiday in the Iberian Peninsula will quickly notice that there is less and less space for smokers. Hundreds of beaches along the Spanish coast are already smoke-free. The next step could be a general ban on tobacco in all playgrounds, cafe terraces, bus stops or sports facilities. Portugal has set a goal of creating a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, but is focusing more on prevention than on new, dramatic bans.
Both countries represent a trend that is becoming increasingly evident in Europe: tobacco consumption should be further reduced – through higher taxes, stricter regulations and more smoke-free zones.
Smoking ban on beaches and bus stops
Spain is currently going particularly far. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s center-left government introduced a bill on Tuesday that would extend the smoking ban to all of the country’s beaches, the food terraces of bars and restaurants, and open-air bus and train stops. However, in parliament, a minority government depends on the support of other parties. Therefore, it is not yet clear whether the reform will be adopted without changes.
In the future, smoking will also be banned in the outdoor areas of schools and universities, outdoor sports fields and “public swimming pools”. The latter means that tobacco smoke is also prohibited in public outdoor swimming pools, around hotel outdoor swimming pools and private public swimming pools.
The reform also affected electronic cigarettes
Tobacco should also be taboo in playgrounds and outdoor public events such as concerts. Security zones 15 meters wide are also provided around schools, hospitals, cultural and sports facilities, and playgrounds. This would also mean stopping smoking cigarettes in front of the door or fence. In addition, smoking should be prohibited in commercial vehicles.
The reform is not limited to traditional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes with and without nicotine should be treated equally to traditional tobacco products. The same prohibitions in public places will apply to them. Advertising should also be strictly limited.
“Time for an ambitious fight against smoking”
Another innovation concerns young people. Until now, tobacco products and e-cigarettes could not be sold or given to minors. They will also be prohibited from consuming it in the future. There are fines of 200 euros, which in case of doubt must be paid by legal guardians.
Health Minister Monica García is actively pushing the reform. “We have always said: now is the time for an ambitious fight against smoking.” Tobacco use is “one of the biggest threats to public health” and is responsible for 30 percent of cancer cases.
The government receives support from the royal family. Queen Letizia warned in a video message to mark World No Tobacco Day: “Smoking kills, including e-cigarettes.”
Industry association says ban is ‘disproportionate’
A pack of cigarettes in Spain usually costs from five to seven euros – this is significantly less than in Germany or Switzerland; However, prices in Austria are similar to those in Spain. Taxes account for about four-fifths of the sales price in Spain. Cigarettes are sold almost exclusively in tobacco stores or vending machines.
Opposition to further restrictions comes primarily from catering establishments. Industry association Hostelería de España considers a blanket ban on smoking on restaurant terraces “disproportionate.” There is no scientific evidence yet that nonsmokers there are harmful, food service officials say.
Doctors disagree. According to the Spanish lung association SEPAR, almost every second non-smoker is exposed to harmful health risks by being a passive smoker on terraces or other recreational areas. Regardless of the medical risks, many nonsmokers are concerned about smoke at the next table.
Portugal uses tax to prevent cancer
Meanwhile, Portugal is taking a less confrontational course. Smoking has been prohibited here in most indoor public places for many years. The previous socialist government of António Costa had already set the goal of creating a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040.
However, after the transition of power to a conservative government led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, the focus was not on new restrictions, but on health care. A portion of tobacco tax revenues goes toward smoking cessation and cancer prevention programs. A box in Portugal usually costs around six euros, depending on the brand. About 80 percent of the price goes to the government in the form of taxes.
Parliament will soon take a decision on the bill
Further restrictions on smokers are also facing resistance in Portugal. The hotel and restaurant association AHRESP said health protection was not in question. However, the new requirements must be “fair and balanced” and take into account the economic impact on companies.
Parliament will soon decide whether Spain will succeed with its far-reaching initiative. However, a look at the Iberian Peninsula already shows where the debate in Europe is heading: it is no longer just about the price of a pack of cigarettes, but increasingly it is about a fundamental question: how much space should the state allow for smoking in public places in the future?