Benidorm nightmare as new Spanish law 'ruining' bars in seaside city

Benidorm has introduced anti-smoking measures. (Image: Getty)

A controversial new ban has sparked anger that bars could be "ruined" in the holiday hotspot of Bendirom, loved by British tourists. Earlier this month, Spain approved a new nationwide ban on smoking at all outdoor venues, including beaches, bars and restaurant terraces. Ministers say they hope it will create a "smoke-free" society, but it's already faced widespread backlash.

YouTuber Benidorm by Ana posted a video explaining and reacting to the ban, questioning whether Benidorm bars will be "ruined" by it. She said: "This addition is supposed to protect those with vulnerable health, those who are non-smokers, kids, people who are at more risk of inhaling the smoke, [those with] asthma, or those who might develop any kind of health issues afterwards."

Ana, who also offers tours of the area, said the ban might not come into effect until 2026 as it still awaits a second approval.

Despite this, she said people are already worried that "Benidorm bars will suffer so, so much", leaving them "empty" as "no one's going to go".

Angry tourists were quick to react to the news on social media. One person wrote on TikTok: "I know that a lot of people don’t smoke and I get that, but us smokers shouldn’t be penalised."

Another added: "Won’t be going to Spain then. I’ll go somewhere else." A third commented: "They won’t get my money anymore, Portugal here we come."

A fourth said: "I am a smoker and I always try to avoid bothering others as much as possible with my smoking. In fact, on terraces, I usually get up and go out to the street, so I think it’s fine. Smoking is my problem, not anyone else’s."

Spain’s hospitality sector has also sounded the alarm. Hostelería de España, who represent restaurants and bars, highlighted that within Europe, "only Sweden maintains a similar total ban".

The organisation said this could have a "negative impact on tourism and the country’s international image" as holidaymakers who smoke will take their business as well.

Hostelería de España added that popular European countries such as France have chosen to exclude terraces from their restrictions so it does not harm their hospitality industry or tourism.

A spokesperson said: "Furthermore, it would cause particular confusion among the millions of tourists who visit Spain every year - more than 94 million in 2024 - in a country where the tourism sector is one of the main economic drivers.

"It would also place an added burden on workers in the sector, who would be forced to take on surveillance duties that are not their responsibility, which could lead to undesirable situations with customers."