Las Palmas tourism sector questions smoking ban on terraces

The hospitality association requests dialogue and proportionate measures regarding the new national anti-tobacco law.

Generic image of an empty outdoor hospitality terrace in an urban setting.
IA

Generic image of an empty outdoor hospitality terrace in an urban setting.

The Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Las Palmas has expressed its opposition to the smoking ban on terraces included in the recent national anti-tobacco regulation.

The business organization has requested that the parliamentary process be based on dialogue and a rigorous analysis of the economic impact. According to the association, it is essential to open a transparent consultation period that allows affected sectors to propose alternatives compatible with public health.
The sector points out that tourism accounts for nearly 35% of the Canary Islands' GDP. The entity warns that a total restriction in outdoor spaces, such as terraces or recreational areas, could reduce the destination's competitiveness compared to other European markets that apply more flexible regulations.

"It is necessary to open a transparent and evidence-based consultation process that allows affected sectors to participate in the drafting of the regulation."

the hospitality association
The association argues that self-regulation formulas already exist, such as table separation or specific areas, which allow for coexistence. It also proposes studying measures such as improved ventilation or differentiating between combustion products and those without direct emissions, following gradual models observed in other European countries.