Spain is set to introduce a new anti-smoking strategy that will be in place from now until 2027. The Ministry of Health is about to approve a plan that, initially, does not have the support of the majority of autonomous communities, but will set the course for a series of regulations. This plan will include expanding smoke-free spaces, raising taxes, and legally equating new forms of smoking (such as vaping or e-cigarettes) with traditional tobacco products. Immediate changes will not take effect as the plan is not yet normative, but it paves the way for future actions to be implemented starting this year.
One of the immediate measures that will be implemented is generic packaging for tobacco products. Other measures, such as expanding smoke-free spaces, will require longer legislative processes. The new plan opens up various questions regarding smoking regulations in different environments, such as terraces, private spaces like vehicles or homes, public spaces like beaches, parks, schools, hospitals, concerts, and events with large crowds. The plan aims to discourage smoking in these areas to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and protect vulnerable populations.
Generic packaging is a measure where all tobacco brands have the same appearance, usually prioritizing health warnings. The plan also aims to increase the price of tobacco products, as the majority of the price consists of taxes. The plan will also regulate vaping, which is currently being sold with minimal restrictions and has become a gateway to nicotine for young people. The proposal suggests imposing the same limitations on vaping products as traditional cigarettes, restricting their commercialization and advertising.
Both the central government and autonomous communities have responsibilities in combating smoking. While inspections are carried out by the autonomous communities, major laws must be established at a national level along with the taxation that determines tobacco prices. The plan will be implemented through a cooperation agreement, giving autonomy to communities to decide how they implement and promote smoke-free areas within their regions. The plan has the support of scientific and medical societies, as well as organizations working in tobacco control, which are urging communities to support the strategy.
The plan also includes measures to help people quit smoking, aiming to increase the number of former smokers. It will provide access to smoking cessation programs within the National Health System and develop specific cessation actions for vulnerable groups. The plan has five main goals, including preventing the initiation of tobacco use, promoting smoking cessation, reducing environmental exposure to tobacco emissions, promoting research, and enhancing coordination and partnerships. Within these goals, there are 22 more specific objectives to be achieved, such as reducing the prevalence of tobacco use among young people.
