[Regulatory policies on alcohol in Spain. Experience-based public health? 2008 SESPAS Report].

The present article reviews the proposal for alcohol regulation made in Spain in 2006 by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs and dropped a few months later as adverse positions took over the debate in the political arena and the media. The background to these regulations, as well as their components, the process, and the actors involved are analyzed, and the factors leading to this outcome are discussed. A comparison is made with the tobacco regulation initiative in 2005, which resulted in a regulatory law with a highly favorable impact on public health.

[Who is against prevention? A map of policy actors favoring smoking in Spain].

Objectives: For a comprehensive approach to policies on smoking, the map of actors related to tobacco and their political ties needs to be identified. The present article constitutes the first attempt at this task in Spain.

Methodology: Analysis of the press, industry publications, and interviews with key people.