Spain’s planned crackdown on vaping is facing pushback from regulators and hospitality groups, with warnings that a disposable vape ban could damage competition, confuse tourists and yield little public health benefit.
Regulator urges alternatives to vape ban
Concerns intensified after the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) published its report on the draft health bill regulating tobacco and related products.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Health, the watchdog called on lawmakers to consider less restrictive alternatives before banning single-use vapes.
The CNMC warned that “several of the measures proposed are not covered by European regulations, which are currently under review,” urging closer coordination with EU law to avoid unnecessary adjustment costs for businesses.
While acknowledging that a ban could ultimately be justified, the regulator said this should only follow a full assessment. “All of this is without prejudice to the fact that the outcome of the assessment may ultimately confirm that strict restrictions, including a ban, are necessary to achieve the health and environmental objectives pursued,” the report stated.
Competition and advertising concerns
The regulator also raised concerns about how the proposed rules would affect competition. It recommended rethinking restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of vaping products to “respect competitive neutrality” between different types of retail establishments.
If the government seeks to limit promotion by capping the value or price of goods or services, the CNMC said rules applied to tobacco should not be copied automatically. Instead, “the principles of good regulation should be applied on a case-by-case basis.”
Hospitality sector warns of tourism fallout
Spain’s hospitality industry has also joined the opposition, warning that broader restrictions affecting vapes and smoking could damage tourism and burden workers with enforcement duties.
Hostelería de España said the measures would have “very limited effectiveness” and risk pushing consumption into uncontrolled spaces, while creating confusion for international visitors.
The organisation warned of a “negative impact on tourism and the country’s international image,” arguing Spain would become an “exception” within Europe, where “only Sweden maintains a similar total ban.”
“Furthermore, it would cause particular confusion among the millions of tourists who visit Spain every year – more than 94 million in 2024 – in a country where the tourism sector is one of the main economic drivers,” the organisation said.
Public scepticism over bans
Polling cited by the hospitality sector suggests limited public support for stricter bans. A survey conducted by 40dB with Hostelería de España found that 69.3 per cent of Spaniards believe information and awareness campaigns are more effective than outright bans in reducing tobacco use.
The study also found that 85.2 per cent expect consumption to continue in surrounding areas if bans are introduced, “hindering the work of local workers and generating new problems of coexistence,” while 62.6 per cent fear damage to Spain’s image as a tourist destination.
Calls for dialogue
Hostelería de España said it remains open to talks with the government and urged policymakers to rethink the approach. “It is essential to ensure coexistence and avoid imposing additional burdens on professionals in the hospitality sector,” the organisation said, calling for a full assessment of the economic and social impact of stricter vaping restrictions.
