Rules on alcohol, smoking and cannabis in public

Key rules

• Drinking age: You must be 18 to buy or drink alcohol in Spain, and shops, bars and vending machines cannot sell it to under-18s.
• Street drinking: Drinking in the street is banned in most places, with fines typically about €100-€600.
• Terrace smoking: Terrace smoking is allowed nationally unless your region or town hall bans it.
• Cannabis in public: Using or carrying cannabis in public is fined from €601 to €30,000, while private use in a private place is not a crime.
• Cannabis clubs: Clubs are in a legal grey zone and can be raided, so get local advice before joining.

Drinking age

You must be 18 to buy or drink alcohol in Spain. Shops, bars and vending machines cannot sell it to under-18s, and staff may ask for ID. Carry a photo ID when you buy.

Drinking in the street

Drinking in the street is banned in most places. It is usually called "botellón". The ban covers streets, parks and beaches. You can drink inside a bar, on a licensed terrace, or in an area your town has set aside for it.

Fines are set by each town and region, so check your town hall's civic-behaviour rules. Police can also take your drinks. Serious cases, repeat offences and organising a botellón can cost much more, up to €3,000 or more. If a minor is caught, their parents can face the consequences.

Smoking on terraces

Smoking is banned inside bars and restaurants. On open-air terraces, national law lets the venue allow smoking. Some regions and town halls ban it or limit it, so the rule changes from place to place. A national ban on terrace smoking has been proposed, so check the current position with your town hall. Look for a no-smoking sign or ask staff before you light up.

Cannabis

Selling cannabis is illegal. Using it in a private place is not a crime. Using or carrying it in public is an offence that carries a fine from €601 to €30,000. The fine is often cut by 50% if you pay promptly. Growing a plant for your own use, out of public view, is generally tolerated.

Cannabis clubs

Cannabis clubs are private associations, and they operate in a grey area. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that organised distribution is not legal, so raids and prosecutions happen. Whether a club is tolerated depends on the place. Ask your town hall or a local lawyer before you join one. Joining is not a safe way to get cannabis legally.

Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis is regulated nationally under a 2025 framework. It is dispensed only through pharmacies. The rules are recent, so ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The checklist and questions below cover the practical steps.

Checklist

• Carry photo ID when you buy alcohol, because shops and bars may ask for it.

• Check your town hall's civic-behaviour rules for the fine level and any areas where drinking is allowed.

• Keep cannabis out of public places, and use it only in a private place.

Frequently asked questions

Can I smoke on a bar terrace in Spain?

Yes, smoking on an open-air terrace is allowed under national rules, unless your region or town council bans it. Some regions, such as Castilla y León and the Canary Islands, have restricted it.

What is the fine for having cannabis in public in Spain?

The fine for having or using cannabis in public runs from €601 to €30,000.

Are cannabis clubs legal in Spain?

No, cannabis clubs are not clearly legal: they work as private associations, but organised distribution is not accepted by the courts. Raids and prosecutions happen, and attempts by Catalonia and the Basque Country to regulate them were struck down or limited. Whether a club is left alone depends on local tolerance.

Can I buy medical cannabis in Spain?

Yes, medical cannabis is regulated nationally, but it is limited to dispensing through pharmacies. A 2025 framework set this up. Ask your doctor or a pharmacy how to get it.