UK holidaymakers threaten to ‘go somewhere else’ over new Spanish smoking laws

If the anti-tourism protests haven’t deterred you from holidaying in Spain, this just might.

The UK’s most popular holiday destination could be set to limit smoking and vaping – legislation which, if passed, could drastically change Spanish travel for many visitors.

This bill, introduced on September 9, proposes to ban the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes across outdoor venues, including bars and restaurants, bus stops, stadiums and, most importantly for us Brits, beaches.

Smoking and vaping has become increasingly popular with young people, with NHS research revealing nearly 10% of children in the UK aged 11 to 15 vape frequently.

It’s a problem in Spain too, alongside statistics from the country’s health ministry showing more than 50,000 people die there each year from smoking-related causes.

The Spanish health minister, Monica Garcia, told reporters: ‘We’ll always put public health ahead of private interests. Everyone has a right to breathe clean again air… and live longer and better lives.’

Spanish pubs and restaurants have pushed back against this move due to the popularity of smoking on their outdoor terraces. While France implemented similar measures in July, its cafe terraces were exempt from the change.

The bill will need to be approved by the Spanish cabinet before it comes into effect, but it’s already proving controversial.

‘It is unfortunate news for bars and restaurants that will now face a ban on customers who will stop going to consume on the terraces,’ said @katxo on X.

‘Banning vaping has no other purpose than wanting to stop other people’s enjoyment,’ commented another user. ‘There are no passive effects and they even smell nice. I neither smoke nor vape.’

Those on TikTok agreed, including Suzanne James who said: ‘I know that a lot of people don’t smoke and I get that, but us smokers shouldn’t be penalised.’

‘Won’t be going to Spain then. I’ll go somewhere else,’ added @djmikeyl, while @BarrowBuddies, said: ‘They won’t get my money anymore, Portugal here we come.’

But some were in agreement.

‘I am a smoker and I always try to avoid bothering others as much as possible with my smoking,’ said @Song_Iceandfire on X. ‘In fact, on terraces, I usually get up and go out to the street, so I think it’s fine. Smoking is my problem, not anyone else’s.’

Another user chimed in: ‘I’m fed up with sitting on a terrace and having the brother-in-law of the moment with his cigar blowing all the smoke in my face; there are polite people who step aside so as not to bother, but there are many who couldn’t care less, and it’s a nightmare having to put up with it.’

Another blow to Spanish hospitality

This news may come as a fresh blow to Spanish business owners, after hospitality businesses were reported to be begging for tourists to come back after a series of protests.

Fiery anti-tourism demonstrations drove holidaymakers to divert to Croatia and other European hotspots, and restaurant and bar owners are now pleading for customers to return.

In fact, tourism-related firms – including beach bars, parasol rental and activity organisers – saw a 20% drop in custom in July compared to the previous year.

This has been attributed to tourists feeling unwelcome after demonstrators took to the streets with ‘go home’ placards.

The Association of Temporary Services Concessions and Operations in the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain of Mallorca (ADOPUMA) has blamed ‘irresponsible messages against tourism’ for the sharp downturn.

It has called on the government to take action to reverse the trend by helping to tone down the anti-visitor sentiment and keep Majorca affordable for mid-range travellers.

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