LONG-TERM plans for smoking in public places have once again been dusted off the shelves of the Ministry of Health.
Some regions of Spain have tasted of smoking bans on the terraces of bars and restaurants during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community ending them last summer.
Some are now suggesting that the Ministry of Health’s “Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Prevention and Control 2021-2025” will soon see the light of day with the return of strict restrictions.
The exact main points have been the subject of speculation for years, such as the ban on terraces and whether this measure would be extended to private vehicles and beaches.
Bes in Spain is gradually being designated as “smoke-free” thanks to measures taken by the municipality.
Reports say the ministry would “look at each and every scenario” to expand smoke-free zones and make sure tobacco is not part of the daily lives of future generations.
Tobacco prices in Spain are among the cheapest in Western Europe, so a higher pricing strategy could also come into play.
It’s widely believed the ministry strategy will include regulations over vaping- something that is especially popular among younger people.
The Ministry of Health is already interested in other countries, such as France or the United Kingdom, which are implementing measures to restrict or even ban the use of vaporizers, especially disposable ones, and are also extending the age from which it can be obtained. He started smoking.
The ministry’s goal is to increase smoke-related bans “as soon as possible,” but that can mean anything, especially since pro-smoking lobbies will most likely oppose anything they deem draconian.
There’s also the not-so small matter of getting legislation passed through Congress which only has a small majority backing the Pedro Sanchez government.