Mallorca's restaurant lobby rejects the government's proposed smoking ban on bar and restaurant terraces
Two Mallorca business federations, Restauración Mallorca CAEB and PIMEM, publicly rejected Spain's proposed smoking ban on bar and restaurant terraces in July 2026, warning of fines up to €10,000 and lost tourism competitiveness.
Restauración Mallorca CAEB rejected Spain's draft national ban on smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, calling it a disproportionate measure that would cost the island tourism competitiveness. CAEB manager Tomeu Mas argued restrictions should stay voluntary rather than mandatory, and warned establishments could face fines of up to €10,000 if customers break the rules on their terraces.
CAEB proposed an alternative: keep the ban indoors and let open-air terraces self-regulate smoking and non-smoking zones with minimum-distance rules, per Forbes España.
The small-business federation PIMEM rejected the same proposal a day earlier, on 21 July 2026, calling it “a hard blow” and “a radical imposition” that would put enforcement responsibility for customers' behaviour onto business owners.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Mallorca's restaurant groups against the proposed terrace smoking ban?
Restauración Mallorca CAEB says it would hurt tourism competitiveness and puts unfair enforcement responsibility on business owners, who could face fines up to €10,000 for customers' violations.
Which organizations have rejected the smoking ban?
Restauración Mallorca CAEB rejected it on 22 July 2026, and the small-business federation PIMEM rejected the same proposal a day earlier, on 21 July 2026, calling it a hard blow to hospitality businesses.
What alternative does CAEB propose to a terrace smoking ban?
Keep the smoking ban indoors and let terraces self-regulate with designated smoking and non-smoking zones and minimum-distance rules.
Is the terrace smoking ban law in effect yet?
No. As of this reporting it remains a government proposal; CAEB and PIMEM are pushing back before it's finalized.