In a public consultation, Spain’s Ministry of Health received 853 proposals for amendments to the Law on tobacco consumption aimed at regulating the advertising of tobacco products, promoting smoke-free Spaces, and restricting the sale of vapes.
Spanish Tobacco Law Amendment Receives 853 Feedback
According to Redaccion Medica, on November 5, the Spanish Ministry of Health received 853 comments on amendments to the Law on cigarette consumption. The proposal plans to regulate the advertising of cigarette products, promote smoke-free Spaces, and restrict the sale of vapes.
The public consultation received input from the catering industry, trade unions, and the Chinese tourism industry. In addition, comments from 14 foreign entities were included. The Spanish government mentioned in its parliamentary reply that the purpose of the tobacco law reform is to restrict new tobacco products such as vapes, promote the establishment of more smoke-free Spaces, and in line with the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Plan for 2024-2027.
Spotlight on vapes and smoke-free space regulation
Some well-known bodies such as the Spanish Association Against Cancer, Nofumadores.org, the General Council of the Official School of Pharmacy, and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology have made their recommendations. There are also organizations such as the General Nursing Council, the Spanish Association of Pulmonary and Thoracic Surgery, the Galician Ministry of Health, the Barcelona Public Health Service, and others. “And participated with the National Federation of the Deaf.
The government said it is preparing an assessment document that will include all comments and create a new hearing and information cycle once it is made public to allow additional comments from interested areas. In addition, other ministries and agencies involved in cigarette regulation will also be notified and involved under applicable laws and regulations. The Government also clarified in its reply that the Ministry of Health will not respond to consultation participants on a case-by-case basis based on laws, regulations, and feedback. The goal is to promote a regulatory framework that comprehensively addresses the new challenges of cigarette consumption in Spain while integrating all the views received.
In addition to the anti-smoking measures bill, the Council of Ministers last month approved the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Plan for 2024-27, noting the importance of regulating the sale and consumption of tobacco and promoting “vape” legislation equivalent to traditional products. In this context, the new plan proposes to strengthen the supervision and monitoring of the sale of the product in stores and on the Internet, especially to reach young people. The short-term goal is to reduce “hidden advertising” and “promotions” for such products on social media and platforms. In addition, we want to expand smoke-free Spaces to reduce smoke exposure in daily life.
