The Canary Islands government is aiming to further strengthen tobacco control efforts by proposing measures likely to affect UK tourists.
The government of the Spanish islands is reportedly going to propose significant amendments to the new Comprehensive Plan against Smoking drafted by Spain’s Ministry of Health.
While it is already looking favourably at the national plan, the local government’s suggestions appear to be going even further in the efforts to protect people from passive smoking and convey an anti-smoking message effectively.
The suggestions, reportedly to be made during the upcoming Inter-territorial Health Council meeting, would include barring smoking on all outdoor bar and restaurant terraces.
The smoking ban would also affect bus stop shelters, outdoor sports areas and areas near entrances to smoke-free buildings such as schools and hospitals, the Canarian Weekly news outlet wrote, citing sources.
The Canary Islands government also wants to regulate electronic cigarettes and vaping products in a similar way to tobacco for fiscal and legislative purposes, it has been claimed.
Moreover, the proposals include the ban on single-use vapes amid environmental concerns linked to their non-biodegradable parts.
Among other reported suggestions is the introduction of generic packaging for cigarettes, a measure already enforced in the UK and Australia.
The Canaries government is also reportedly calling for clear financial planning to ensure the viability of proposed measures and a national regulation to apply anti-smoking measures in a uniform manner across Spain.
These islands are a holiday destination adored by UK nationals. Last year, more than a third of the 14.1 million travellers reaching the archipelago came from Britain – a whopping 5.7 million.
The growing popularity of these islands among holidaymakers is leaving local infrastructures and services strained.
