Spanish Tobacco Law Amendment Receives 853 Feedbacks Focusing On Electronic Cigarettes And Smoke-free Space Regulation

Spanish tobacco law amendment receives 853 feedbacks focusing on electronic cigarettes and smoke-free space regulation

The Spanish Ministry of Health received 853 opinions in a public consultation regarding the amendment to the Tobacco Consumption Law, which aims to regulate tobacco product advertising, promote smoke-free spaces, and restrict the sale of electronic cigarettes.

According to Redaccion Medica on November 5th, the Spanish Ministry of Health has received 853 feedback comments regarding amendments to the Tobacco Consumption Law. This proposal plans to regulate the advertising of tobacco products, promote smoke-free spaces, and restrict the sale of electronic cigarettes.

The public consultation received opinions from various sectors such as the catering industry, labor unions, and the national tourism industry. In addition, opinions from 14 foreign entities were also included. The Spanish government stated in its parliamentary response that the tobacco law reform aims to restrict new tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, promote the creation of more smoke-free spaces, and align with the 2024-2027 Comprehensive Tobacco Control Plan.

Some well-known organizations, such as the Spanish Anti Cancer Association, Nofumadores.org, the General Council of Official Pharmacy Schools, and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, have submitted their respective opinions. There are also organizations such as the General Council of Nursing, the Spanish Association of Pulmonary and Thoracic Surgeons, the Galician Ministry of Health, and the Barcelona Public Health Agency, which participate together with the National Federation of the Deaf.

The government has stated that it is preparing an evaluation document that includes all opinions and will initiate a new hearing and information cycle after public disclosure to allow relevant industries to provide additional comments. In addition, other departments and institutions involved in tobacco regulation will also be notified and participate in accordance with applicable regulations. The government also clarified in its response that due to regulations and feedback, the Ministry of Health will not respond to consultation participants one by one. The goal is to promote a regulatory framework that comprehensively addresses the new challenges of tobacco consumption in Spain while integrating all received perspectives.

In addition to this anti tobacco measures bill, the Council of Ministers approved the "2024-27 Comprehensive Tobacco Control Plan" last month, which emphasizes the need to regulate tobacco sales and consumption, and promote legislation that equates "e-cigarettes" with traditional products. In this context, the new plan proposes to strengthen the supervision and monitoring of sales of such products in stores and on the Internet, especially their contact with young people. The short-term goal is to reduce the "hidden advertising" and "promotional" activities of such products on social media and platforms. In addition, it is hoped to expand smoke-free spaces so that non-smokers can reduce tobacco exposure in their daily lives.