Millions of British tourists threaten to change their vacation plans due to a new law that strongly limits tobacco consumption in public spaces. The country concerned is Spain, the main destination of the British, who received more than 18 million visitors from the United Kingdom last year alone.
In recent days, the British press has highlighted the discomfort caused by the new Spanish legislation against tobacco. British newspaper Birmingham Live has published several testimonies of tourists who claim to be angry with the measurements. For some, the decision is clear: they do not go back to vacation in Spain.
Among the most shared comments is that of a British citizen who guaranteed: “So I will not go to Spain. I will go to another place.” Another was even more explicit and pointed out the neighboring country as an alternative: “They will no longer have my money, let’s go to Portugal.”
What provides for Spanish law
According to the Spanish newspaper As, the draft law updates the 2005 legislation and provides for new prohibitions in public spaces. Smoking or using electronic cigarettes in public pools, children’s parks, commercial vehicles, sports facilities, school courtyards, university campuses and even in transportation zones.
Restrictions also extend to the terraces and outer zones of bars and restaurants, considered by many tourists one of the main attractions of social life in Spain. It was precisely this inclusion that most critical generated.
In addition to the prohibition of consumption, the law hardens rules of sale and publicity. It is interdict to sell tobacco and products related to minors, as well as the commercialization of disposable vapers.
Impact no tourism
The reaction in the United Kingdom was not delayed. Several media highlighted the theme and statements of travelers who were disappointed. The widespread perception is that the new rules will be able to ward off usual tourists at a time when Spain continues to lead as a favorite destination for the British.
With more than 18 million annual visitors from the UK, any change in the behavior of this market has immediate impact on the Spanish tourist economy. The possibility of the British opts for alternative destinations already worries the sectors linked to tourism.
Portugal in advantage?
Some tourists did not hesitate to point out Portugal as the most natural alternative destination. Proximity, similar climate and the absence of such tight restrictions make the country a logical choice for those looking for vacation in southern Europe.
“It’s a pity for bars and restaurants,” commented another British traveler quoted by Birmingham Live. The phrase reflects the fear of many Spanish entrepreneurs, who see in this law a risk of loss of customers, especially foreigners.
While Spain advances with more severe restrictions on tobacco, Portugal continues to allow smoking in external spaces such as terraces, parks and beaches, provided that the general rules of public health are respected.
Public Health versus Economy
The Spanish government, for its part, argues that the measure aims to reinforce the protection of public health. Health authorities recall that smoking in shared spaces exposes third parties to the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
However, the decision opens a delicate debate: To what extent can the restrictions, even justified by medical reasons, compromise economic sectors dependent on tourism? This tension between health and economy is not new, but now new expression gains.
The future of the measure
The reactions show that the law will still have a long way to go. Although it is already in the draft, its approval and application can be adjusted according to the political and social pressure you feel.
What is certain is that the controversy is launched and Portugal could be one of the indirect beneficiaries of this Spanish decision. With tourists looking for alternatives, the neighboring country can capture visitors who traditionally spent vacation in destinations such as Malaga, Majorca or Tenerife.
A different summer in sight
With the summer of 2026 on the horizon, it remains to be seen if these changes will have an immediate effect on the choices of British tourists. For now, Spain remains at the top of preferences, but discontent manifested on social networks may be a sign of change.
According to, the new anti -collage law in Spain has already put Portugal on the radar of thousands of tourists seeking freedom to keep their habits on vacation, even if it represents the border.
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