From the 2nd January 2011, Spain’s smoke filled bars should become a thing of the past with the passing of a new law prohibiting smoking in most public spaces. The law was finally passed with a large majority Tuesday 21st December 189-154 with the government managing to squash all amendments proposed by the opposition who were in favour of creating smoking zones within bars.
Minister of Health, Leire Pajin speaking to journalists after the historic vote admits that enforcing the ban is going to take some time and patrons will need to be flexible and understanding, but that a maketing campaign aimed at bar owners will get underway shortly, and that police and government inspectors will be expected to issue warnings to smoking rebels over the coming month.
Smoking tobacco is estimated to kill 166 Spaniards every day, at least 4 of whom are non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke. The new law is expected to reduce that number substantially, and make the hospitality industry safer and healthier for staff and patrons.
In recent polls, 74% of the Spanish population support the introduction of tough new anti-smoking laws, rubbishing suggestions that the majority of Spaniards are smokers and want to keep the status quo. Significantly, those in favour of the ban cross all generational and socio-economic boundaries.
Exceptions to the ban include private smokers clubs, prisons, centres for the disabled, psychiatric hospitals, and pensioners centres. In addition, tough new standards for advertising smoking will be introduced including at events such as football grounds and public transport.
Fines for smokers and owners of public spaces can be levied from the date of introduction, and range from 30 euros to 600,000 euros for serious infractions. In Ronda, it is expected the new smoking regulations won’t be fully implemented for several months, however residents are for the most part overjoyed that their favourite bars and restaurants will soon be smoke free.
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