Madrid Business Leaders Warn New Anti-Smoking Law Could Hurt Economy and Liberties
Madrid business leaders warn that the 2025 anti-smoking law could harm the city's hospitality economy and restrict personal freedoms, proposing alternative measures.
- • Madrid Foro Empresarial opposes the draft tobacco law banning smoking in terraces and near public buildings.
- • The hospitality sector contributes 9.1% of Madrid's GDP, employing 233,000 people in 29,000 establishments.
- • Concerns include economic harm, overcrowding in public spaces, and growth of illegal tobacco market.
- • Alternatives proposed include designated smoking areas and limiting bans to sensitive locations.
Key details
The Madrid Foro Empresarial, representing more than 350 business leaders in Madrid, has raised serious concerns about the proposed 2025 amendment to the tobacco control law. The new legislation would ban smoking and vaping on outdoor terraces, within a 15-meter radius of public buildings, and in various outdoor public spaces. Officials argue that while public health is a priority, the law’s broad prohibitions could severely impact Madrid’s hospitality and tourism sectors, which comprise 9.1% of the regional GDP and employ over 233,000 individuals across 29,000 establishments.
Hilario Alfaro, president of the Madrid Foro Empresarial, warned that such strict measures could undermine Madrid's competitiveness compared to other European capitals with more lenient rules. Alfaro highlighted potential unintended effects like smokers gathering on sidewalks and building entrances, causing overcrowding and neighborhood disputes. The group also fears a decline in public revenue due to reduced tobacco consumption in regulated areas and an increase in illegal tobacco sales, threatening both state revenue and public safety.
To mitigate these risks, the association has proposed alternative measures including designated smoking areas on terraces and limiting bans to sensitive zones like hospitals and schools. They urge the Ministry of Health to reconsider the draft law by incorporating business and local government input. Alfaro stated that the current proposal "undermines public health goals by infringing on individual freedoms and economic development." The debate continues as Madrid's authorities review the balance between public health and economic vitality. (Source: 93759)
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.