Information on the law from January 2011 concerning the banning of smoking in public places in Spain. Understand the places it affects and the fines which can be experienced for anyone breaking the law…
Spain’s zero tolerance smoking legislation came into effect on 2 January 2011, tightening the restrictions on smoking (cigarettes, cigars and pipes) in public places first put in place in 2006.
No Smoking in Public Places
Smoking is banned in all restaurants, bars, cafés and other enclosed public places, as well as on television broadcasts.
Smoking outdoors is prohibited in places which provide access to hospitals and schools, and on all playgrounds.
The ban also includes the use of sealed cubicles for smokers and smoking areas in casinos.
These come in addition to the 2006 restrictions which are:
- Ban on smoking in all workplaces, on any public transport, in public offices, shops, schools, hospitals and theatres
- Ban on the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 18
- Ban on tobacco advertising across Spain
Exceptions to the law
Hotels may reserve 30 percent of their rooms for smokers.
Private smoking clubs are allowed but require registration, and may not sell cigarettes on the premises, or serve food or drinks.
Penalties for Smoking in Public
Smokers (and business owners) who don’t adhere to the rules and smoke in public areas (or allow smoking on their premises) may be fined.
Minor infringements are penalised with fines from €30 to €600; in the case of serious breaches the fines range from €10,000 to €600,000.
Further Information
- For a news article on the subject from BBC: Click here