Smokers in Spain could soon face fines of up to €600 for lighting a cigarette on beaches, as the Spanish Government pushes ahead with major new anti-smoking legislation.
The proposed law would significantly expand existing smoking restrictions, extending the ban beyond bars and restaurants to include beaches, public swimming pools, national parks, sports facilities, and outdoor terraces.
While some Spanish regions, including parts of the Canary Islands, already enforce local beach smoking bans, the new legislation would introduce a nationwide standard across the country if approved by parliament.
The measures would also apply to vapes, nicotine pouches and shisha pipes, treating them the same as traditional tobacco products under the law.
In addition, 15-metre smoke-free zones would be introduced around hospitals, schools, playgrounds and libraries. For the first time, people under the age of 18 could also face fines for smoking.
The legislation has not yet become law and must still pass through Spain's parliament, where opposition from sections of the hospitality industry is expected.
At present, Ireland has no nationwide ban on smoking on beaches or outdoor hospitality terraces.