New smoking ban: Where on Mallorca you may no longer smoke

Madrid takes action: The smoking ban will extend further

Last night I was sitting with an espresso on Passeig Mallorca when the news arrived: the government in Madrid has approved a draft bill for a new anti-tobacco law. What does this mean for us here on the island? In short, noticeably fewer smoking moments in places where many had assumed it was allowed.

The main rules at a glance

The draft introduces several changes worth noting:

• Smoking ban on terraces of bars and restaurants – so you can no longer enjoy a cigarette while looking out onto the street after a meal.
• No cigarettes at open-air concerts, on playgrounds and in outdoor cultural and sports venues.
• 15-meter protection zone around entrances to public buildings: hospitals, schools, and sports halls should be smoke-free.
• E-cigarettes will be regulated similarly to traditional tobacco products; single-use vapes will be banned and sales to minors are also prohibited.

Penalties and enforcement

Those who violate it can expect significantly higher fines. The draft mentions substantial penalties – up to high five-figure or even six-figure euro amounts. Additionally, the creation of a central prevention and monitoring body is planned to coordinate implementation.

Reactions from practice

When I was at the market across the street this morning flipping through the newspaper, I immediately heard the debate: a bar owner in Santa Catalina said it would hit small venues especially hard – guests would leave or move indoors. A young man next to me shrugged and said, Good for the kids. So there are voices in both directions as always.

Industry representatives warn that the terrace ban could harm the hospitality sector and change social life. The health side, however, stresses that reducing secondhand smoke is urgently needed, especially at entrances to schools and clinics.

When will the new law come into effect?

The plan provides that Parliament still has to approve it. If all goes to plan, there will be a transition period of about twelve months – in other words, many of the new rules would probably be felt in 2026. Until then there is time for businesses to order signs and reorganize smoking areas.

What you can do now

If you run a bar: consider whether you should create covered smoking islands or reorganize outdoor dining. As a guest: respect the signs when the first checks begin – fines can be uncomfortable. Parents should be glad: there will be less noise at schools and playgrounds soon.

I will speak again next week with a few local operators and report how they plan the transition. For now: bring peppermint mints if you smoke and enjoy the espresso instead of a cloud nearby.