British tourists threaten to ditch the Canary Islands over new anti-smoking law
Spain is once again making headlines in the UK press, but this time it’s not about mass tourism, it’s the government’s new anti-smoking law, which could directly affect millions of holidaymakers in the Canary Islands.
The draft law, presented on 9th September by Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, proposes a sweeping ban on smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco related devices in outdoor public spaces.
If all of the proposal is approved, smoking would be prohibited on beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, hotel pool sides, parks, sports stadiums, and public transport stops.
British backlash online
The news has sparked a wave of criticism on social media and in international outlets, with many British tourists, the largest visitor group to the Canary Islands, saying the restrictions could force them to go elsewhere.
“OK, so I won’t go to Spain. I’ll go somewhere else,” wrote one TikTok user, while another bluntly declared: “Portugal, here we come.” Others have mentioned Greece as an alternative.
The main complaints focus on the ban covering spaces closely linked to holiday leisure, such as beaches, outdoor terraces, and hotel facilities, areas where many smokers traditionally enjoy their breaks in the sun.
How it could affect holidaymakers
For British visitors, especially smokers, the law could mean:
- No smoking on hotel terraces or pool areas, unless private zones are designated.
- Beach bans, meaning holidaymakers would need to leave the sand to smoke. Currently there are only municipal bans not nationwide bans.
- Restrictions at bar and restaurant terraces, where smoking is currently common alongside food and drink.
- Fines for non-compliance, which may be introduced if the rules are broken.
Many argue this could change the holiday atmosphere that draws millions of UK travellers to Spain and the Canary Islands each year.
Mixed reactions
While criticism dominates, not all feedback has been negative. One British smoker commented: “I always try to bother people as little as possible. It’s fine by me, smoking is my problem, not anyone else’s.”
The Health Minister defended the measure, saying: “Everyone has the right to breathe clean air… and to live longer, healthier lives.”
Health reasons behind the move
Each year, more than 50,000 people in Spain die from smoking-related illnesses, while vaping continues to grow rapidly among young people in the UK and abroad.
The government argues that extending smoke-free spaces will protect public health, particularly for children and non-smokers.
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