Spain introduces a stricter tobacco law, imposing fines on parents if their underage children are caught smoking. The law aims to curb youth smoking and improve public health, affecting both locals and tourists. The move has sparked debate, especially among Scandinavians, with opinions divided on the fairness of penalizing parents.
New Spanish Law: Parents Fined if Minors Caught Smoking in Tourist Hotspots
New Spanish Law: Parents Fined if Minors Caught Smoking in Tourist Hotspots
Spanish authorities have approved a draft for a stricter tobacco law. This means that as a parent, you could face hefty fines if your underage child is caught smoking, reports Norwegian Dagbladet. This has sparked heated debate, "not least among Scandinavians," according to Canariajournalen.
According to EU statistics, about one in four people over the age of 15 in Spain smoke today. As Spain tightens its tobacco regulations, the aim is to prevent young people from starting to smoke and use snus, thereby strengthening public health, writes Euronews.
However, this means that tourists will also be affected. According to the proposal, parents or guardians can be held financially responsible if children under 18 are caught smoking or using nicotine products.
Fines for such violations will range from 1,200 to 7,000 kronor. Examples of places where smoking and the use of nicotine products are prohibited include restaurant and bar terraces, university areas, public transport hubs, commercial vehicles, and swimming pools.
"Strong Opinions Expressed"
Canariajournalen recently wrote that "strong opinions are expressed" about this on social media, "not least among Scandinavians." Many are supportive of the intention to protect children from tobacco, while others believe it is unfair to fine parents for their children's smoking.
Spanish authorities will also ban all advertising and sponsorship for tobacco and nicotine products. Those who violate this can be fined up to seven million kronor.
Authorities hope that the legislative change will help reduce access to tobacco among young people and make parents more aware of their children's nicotine use.