Spain set to implement tough anti-smoking laws

Spain will be jumping on the anti-smoking bandwagon the first of the year, bringing it up to par with the European Union’s tough stand on smoking in public places.


The Health Commission in Congress on Wednesday voted to approve the new tougher anti-smoking legislation which is expected to be enforced beginning January 2, 2011.

Currently, Spain enjoys relaxed anti-smoking laws, as corner cafes and restaurants are known for being smoke-filled while patrons enjoy the traditional canas (beer) and tapas, then light up to they enjoy their wine or beer. A law passed in 2006 prohibited smoking in the workplace, but allowed owners of restaurants and public eateries to use their own discretion in allowing smoking or not. Most owners continued to allow smoking, causing pundits to label the law as a total failure.

Spain’s restaurant and bar federation predict losses of 145,000 jobs in the industry and a 10 per cent decline in revenue due to the tough anti-smoking law. However, health ministry officials said similar laws have been put into place in Britain and France in recent years and business was not affected that badly, says the Barcelona Reporter. Many disagree with this premise.

The smoking ban was introduced in Ireland in 2004, and resulted in 440 fewer Public House licenses being renewed in 2006 than in 2005 ........... fact.