New Restrictions and Higher Prices
The Spanish Ministry of Health plans to increase cigarette prices and expand places where smoking is prohibited.The comprehensive tobacco Prevention Plan for the period from 2024 to 2027 includes the expansion of smoke-free zones, tax increases and stricter rules for vaping devices.
The main goal of the plan is to prevent young people from starting smoking, help smokers quit the bad habit and keep the air we breathe clean.
Despite the decline in tobacco consumption in recent decades, 22.1% of the Spanish population continues to smoke regularly.The Ministry of Health is working on the introduction of universal packaging and reducing the attractiveness of tobacco products.
Public Health Plan 2024-2027: How Spain Plans to Reduce tobacco Consumption
The proposed strategy also includes reimbursement for drugs to combat tobacco addiction through the national health system.
The Ministry is working with local authorities to amend municipal laws and increase fines for throwing cigarette butts on the streets and in natural areas.
All of the above measures will be included in the reform of the smoking law with the hope of their full implementation by the end of the year.
Tobacco causes about 50,000 deaths annually in Spain, and is also linked to 35 different diseases.