‘People will adapt’: Cabo de Palos businesses back smoking ban on terraces

For years, lighting up over a coffee or after a meal has been part of the terrace culture that defines so much of life in Spain. But if the government’s proposed smoking ban on bar and restaurant terraces becomes law, that familiar scene could soon disappear and, in Cabo de Palos, not everyone is against the idea.

While hospitality associations across Spain have warned the plans could damage bars, restaurants and tourism, several business owners in the popular coastal resort say the change is unlikely to drive customers away, instead, they believe smokers will simply adjust.

‘People will adapt’

Business owners in Cabo de Palos have publicly backed the proposal to ban smoking on hospitality terraces, arguing that customers are capable of adapting to new rules, just as they have done with previous smoking restrictions. For many, the priority is creating a more pleasant environment where families, children and non-smokers can enjoy eating and drinking outdoors without being affected by cigarette smoke.

Supporters also point out that smoking has already been banned inside bars and restaurants for years, a measure that was initially controversial but is now widely accepted. Their message is simple: if the law changes again, customers will adapt in much the same way.

Not everyone in hospitality agrees

The comments from business owners in Cabo de Palos contrast sharply with the position taken by parts of Spain’s hospitality sector. Several industry organisations have criticised the proposed legislation, warning it could discourage customers from spending time on terraces, particularly in tourist destinations where outdoor dining forms a major part of the experience.

Some fear smokers may choose to stay at home rather than visit cafés or bars if they are no longer allowed to smoke while having a drink or meal. Others argue the proposal represents another restriction on businesses that are still dealing with rising operating costs and changing consumer habits.

A wider national debate

The proposal is part of the Spanish government’s plans to extend smoke-free spaces as part of a wider public health strategy. If approved, smoking would no longer be permitted on the terraces of bars and restaurants, adding outdoor hospitality areas to the growing list of smoke-free environments.

Supporters believe the move would reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, particularly for hospitality workers who spend long hours serving customers on outdoor terraces, as well as families with young children. Opponents, however, question whether the restrictions go too far, arguing that outdoor spaces are fundamentally different from enclosed venues.

A change that could reshape Spain’s terrace culture

Whether the proposal becomes law or not, it has already reignited a debate about one of Spain’s most recognisable social traditions. From the city plazas to seaside promenades like Cabo de Palos, terraces are central to everyday life, attracting residents and tourists throughout the year.

For now, the government continues to press ahead with its plans, while businesses, smokers and non-smokers wait to see whether one of Spain’s most familiar terrace habits is about to become a thing of the past. If the views emerging from Cabo de Palos are any indication, at least some businesses believe the transition will be far less dramatic than many fear, insisting that once the rules change, customers will simply do what they have always done, adapt.