Spanish and Guatemalan health agencies intensify anti‑smoking enforcement

In the Region of Murcia, Spain, the Health Department has deployed an itinerant exhibition titled “In hospitals, more respect, less smoke” to remind users, staff and visitors that smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout hospital premises, both indoor and outdoor, in line with Law 28/2005. Director General of Public Health and Addictions Jesús Cañavate said, “all of us are responsible for complying with the law,” and highlighted a new monitoring guide to assess compliance in each hospital.

Guatemala’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance reported that fines for breaches of the 2008 tobacco‑free environments law increased from Q30,000 in 2024 to over Q91,000 by mid‑2026. Minister Joaquín Barnoya noted, “There is a Law of Tobacco‑Free Environments that had not been enforced,” and announced intensified inspections of public venues and the launch of a Digital Reporting Button that lets citizens report establishments that allow smoking or lack the required signage.