No doubt for many the fact that the Spanish Government has passed its smoking ban in public places will be welcomed. Done despite the attempts of opposition parties to water down the legislation.
From the 2nd January 2011 smoking will be banned in all bars, restaurants and enclosed areas with the exception of prisons, psychiatric units, smoking clubs, pensioner units and units for the disabled.
Hotels will be allowed to reserve up to 30% of their occupancy to smoking rooms.
According to the government the legislation, bringing Spain in line with the rest of Europe, will prevent just under a million workers from being exposed to smoke inhalation.
Whilst central government has requested the assistance of the regional governments on the implimention of the ban there does not seem to be any certainty as to how this will be done.
On the Costa Blanca where tourism is a primary source of regional income the thought of a smoking ban is a little too much to bear. The bars and restaurants are struggling enough without a further downturn in business because smokers choose to go to an open terrace to eat or drink. As we all know many bars and restaurants do not have terraces.
There is the fear that the tourist industry will suffer due to the ban. Where previously the liberal smoking regime has enticed those from Countries will bans this may no longer be the case.
Whilst it might have been more appropriate to introduce the legislation in summer the fact remains that this is not the case. So as of 2nd January 2011 Spain will have no smoking in public places. Policing it might be a totally different matter!!!!
Written by Jo Caress of Costa Blanca Lawyers
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