According to a report from the Spanish media outlet AlbaSet Forum on December 23, the new central government of Spain is preparing to impose new restrictions on smokers. The proposal comes from the newly appointed Health Minister, Monica García, who hopes to further limit where smokers can smoke in Spain, in line with Salvador Illa's smoking ban plan proposed in 2021.
The Ministry of Health plans to expand smoke-free areas, including bars, terraces, beaches, and private cars with minors or pregnant women on board. This policy has received high praise from health professionals and scientific societies who have long been committed to preventing adolescents from starting smoking and using other dangerous products such as e-cigarettes and hookahs. They are calling for the extension of smoke-free areas to restaurant terraces and outdoor sports or performance venues. This requirement also aims to avoid harm from secondhand smoke for non-smokers who come into close proximity with smokers in these places.
Dr. Susana Morena, Head of the Spanish Tobacco Research Group, appreciatively states that the newly appointed Minister of Health plans to take necessary measures to safeguard the health of the majority of non-smokers currently in Spain, which is a "highly positive" approach.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pedro Taraga, the medical coordinator of 5A Health Center in Spain, also expressed support, but he pointed out that the plan may not be thorough enough, as tobacco consumption has increased in recent years. "The proportion of smokers has risen and currently stands at around 38-39%.
Dr. Raúl Godoy, a pulmonologist at a hospital in the Autonomous Community of Albacete and also the president of the Castilla-La Mancha Respiratory Disease Pathology Society, has deemed this development as a highly significant step. According to Dr. Godoy, "We pulmonologists have been working hard to strengthen anti-tobacco laws and prohibit smoking in outdoor spaces as a way to set an example for underage individuals and discourage them from starting smoking. The current situation is different from when smoking was banned in bars and restaurants, as there was a considerable amount of opposition back then. However, now the public will perceive these smoking bans as reasonable.
The report also mentions that doctors are optimistic about strengthening regulations on e-cigarettes, hoping that they will be on par with tobacco restrictions. This is because it has now been clearly proven that e-cigarettes are harmful and highly dangerous to teenagers, especially when they start using these devices without recognizing the harm they can cause.
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