By Anita McSorley
Copyright irishmirror
Even as the summer holiday season winds down, thousands of Irish tourists are still planning trips to Spain over the coming weeks to soak up the country’s famous autumn sun. With its warm beaches, lively nightlife and historic towns, Spain has long been a top choice for Irish travellers looking for a well-earned break.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Irish people, with over 2.5 million of us visiting every year. But Irish holidaymakers may soon face a new challenge when booking their trips.
Spain is considering a nationwide ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor public spaces, a move that has already sparked controversy among tourists and hospitality businesses. The bill, introduced on September 9, proposes prohibiting cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes in outdoor venues, including bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops, stadiums and even beaches.
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia defended the proposed legislation, saying: “We’ll always put public health ahead of private interests. Everyone has a right to breathe clean again air… and live longer and better lives.”
Social media users quickly responded to the news, with @katxo on X writing: “It is unfortunate news for bars and restaurants that will now face a ban on customers who will stop going to consume on the terraces.”
Another person added: “Banning vaping has no other purpose than wanting to stop other people’s enjoyment. There are no passive effects and they even smell nice. I neither smoke nor vape.”
There was also frustration in the comments on TikTok. One person declared: “Won’t be going to Spain then. I’ll go somewhere else.” Another said: “They won’t get my money anymore, Portugal here we come.”
Some people stressed that they already try to be considerate when smoking. One person wrote: “I am a smoker and I always try to avoid bothering others as much as possible with my smoking. In fact, on terraces, I usually get up and go out to the street, so I think it’s fine. Smoking is my problem, not anyone else’s.”
But others pointed out how tricky it can be to manage outdoor smoking politely. A commenter said: “I’m fed up with sitting on a terrace and having the brother-in-law of the moment with his cigar blowing all the smoke in my face; there are polite people who step aside so as not to bother, but there are many who couldn’t care less, and it’s a nightmare having to put up with it.”
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