„In Spain, we are already far behind other European countries in terms of tobacco prevention measures. These measures are aimed at protecting the health of the population and even the environment. Therefore, we believe that changes such as the extension of smoke-free spaces to terraces and beaches, as well as tobacco plain packaging, are measures that we in Spain can no longer wait for,” said Susana Morena, representative of semFYC. Smoking cessation is the most important measure in the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. It is associated with a rapid reduction in the risk of ACS and the progression of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease.15 Cohort studies and meta-analyses have shown that smoking cessation reduces mortality.16 The risk of tobacco-related atherosclerosis decreases 2 years after quitting; However, reducing the risk of ACS occurs within hours.17 Vaping is in vogue and many smokers are turning to vaping to quit. Today we wondered about the regulation of vaping in Spain. The significant impact of COVID-19 and new outbreaks in several parts of the country following the 100-day lockdown (between March 15 and June 21) partly explains this measure to contain the resurgence of the disease. Previous campaigns by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scientific societies, as well as a favourable social climate against smoking, have also led to its adoption. This appears to be directly related to a number of measures and changes in public perceptions of smoking, and studies have shown that smoking is prohibited have fewer smokers. As a smoker, I can say that smoking brings no good, only 100% horror! In addition to being smelly and harmful, it is offensive to the majority of people who do not smoke. There is also the fact that cigarettes cause a huge mess with cigarette butts, cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, etc. In addition, people take their lit cigarette butts out of their moving cars, causing fires, especially in wooded areas. This is a terrible vice! However, instead of these prohibitions or special areas for smoking, they should ban smoking altogether, but instead allow vaping.

Vaping isn`t harmful and doesn`t really stick to your clothes/hair like cigarettes. It has no blankets or landfills to pollute a park or beach, etc. In addition, it satisfies the oral fixation and the need for undulating clouds of the smoker. That said, I would bet anything that people who are against smoking also smoke PRO marijuana! This is the height of hypocrisy! Marijuana is even more dangerous than smoking – and I`m not saying this cautiously, but as a parent whose child is completely dependent on it! So, if we want to „prohibit” vices, let us ban vices! The measures include a total ban on smoking in outdoor places where many people meet, such as terrazas (bar terraces, cafés, restaurants) and beaches. Currently, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces. These include nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Although many airports have smoking areas, this is not the case at Malaga Airport. Once you`ve cleared security, say goodbye to your cigarettes. While public health and tobacco control stakeholders welcome this decision, no real and permanent ban on smoking on patios and outdoors has been adopted. The agreement of the Council of the National Health System on the use of tobacco or other tobacco products or similar products stipulates that smoking is prohibited on the street or outdoors if a distance of at least 2 meters cannot be reached. Therefore, smokers are allowed to remove their face mask when smoking outdoors, while non-smokers must wear it, as the use of masks in public places is mandatory. But unlike countries like Ireland and Italy, where the public has largely adopted a total ban on smoking in public places, in Spain there is greater public tolerance and sympathy for people who want to shine freely in public.

In Spain, Law 28/2005 on sanitary measures to combat smoking and regulate the sale, supply, consumption and advertising of tobacco products introduced legislation on tobacco consumption in public places. While its approval marked a major step forward in public health policy, it included exceptions, allowed smoking in bars and restaurants based on their region, and allowed designated smoking areas. What is needed is a standard without exception prohibiting smoking in enclosed public spaces to protect bar and restaurant employees and passive smokers in general. Law 42/2010 (30 December 2010) entered into force on 2 January 2011 and amended the previous law by extending the smoking ban to all enclosed spaces used by the general public. It also banned smoking in certain open spaces in educational centres, health centres and areas adjacent to children`s playgrounds. Designated smoking areas in airport confined spaces have been eliminated. The new law has made Spain a model for tobacco control policy and has been widely accepted and respected by the majority of the population. Spain`s outdoor smoking regulations are in line with the WHO statement on smoking and COVID-19, the risk of inhaled exposure to coronaviruses in microscopic respiratory droplets, which could likely be exacerbated by smoke and aerosols exhaled by smokers or users of other electronic devices, and the fact that outdoor smoking bans are well accepted and supported by the population. Governments in other jurisdictions should take note of the Spanish experience to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak and prevent new outbreaks and potential waves. Congratulations on quitting smoking, Michael! Did you start with nicotine-free oils? Smoking is allowed on terraces in Spain.

The Costa del Sol has a great advantage because the mild climate all year round allows you to have a drink on a terrace without getting cold.