Health has just confirmed that the new tobacco law goes after the terraces. And it is not the only environment that wants smokeless

Terrazas, Marquesinas, University Campus, Teaching Centers, Sports Facilities and Labor Vehicles will be some of the new environments where smoking will be prohibited. At least that’s what the Ministry of Health seeks, that is working to reform the current anti -tabaco legislation, with the objective of “protecting public health and” denormalizing tobacco consumption in shared spaces. ”The plan is part of a broader strategy that seeks to reduce the impact of smoking, a threat that, according to Minister Mónica García, causes 30 % of cancers.

A commitment that had been paused for years. The measure is not new, but so far it had not left the drawer. In 2021 a draft had already been written With proposals in this line, also including an increase in tobacco taxes and a stricter regulation of vapeo. That plan, prepared with the recommendations of scientific and medical societies, was two years paralyzed until Minister Mónica García, who took possession in November 2023he boost him again.

Click to see the message of the Minister of Health in X

Social consensus has changed. The idea of ​​prohibiting smoking on terraces was one of the most controversial when it began to consider, but public acceptance data has evolved over time. A survey of The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC) pointed out in 2022 that 72 % of the population would agree to expand these smokeless spaces, including part of the smoking citizenship. Although without mentioning a specific survey, Health has pointed out that the measures raised “are backed by a majority of citizens.”

New devices, same regulation. One of the most relevant changes posed by the reform is Normative comparison of electronic cigarettes and tobacco devices heated with conventional tobacco. In practice, that implies that these products will have the same restrictions of use in public spaces, without exceptions. The text that develops this aspect already It has been sent To the European Union for its evaluation, within the usual procedure.

The challenge: convert the draft into law. For now, the reform is in the elaboration phase and must overcome several filters. First, the approval in the Council of Ministers, and then a parliamentary process where the support of other political forces will be needed. Everything can change in that process. Even so, the ministry insists on the importance of progressing quickly.

A national strategy for 2030. The fight against smoking is part of a more ambitious national strategy. The objective shared with the Spanish Association against Cancer is clear: achieve the first generation of young Spaniards free of tobacco by the year 2030. For this, in addition to expanding smokeless spaces, Health plans to promote the unique packaging, finance treatments to quit smoking from the National Health System and advance measures that hinder the access of young people to tobacco.

Not only physical health: also mental health and equity. Exposure to tobacco smoke does not affect all people equally. The Ministry puts the Focus on vulnerable groupsas minors or pregnant people, and raises this reform from an equity approach. Every person, argues healing, has the right to safe environments no longer to be involuntarily exposed to smoke.

Images | Sara Kurfeß | Obaid Awan

In Xataka | We have discovered something as bad for your health as smoking or drinking a lot of alcohol: not exercise