IT'S REAL - SPAIN WILL HAVE A SMOKING BAN

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR - CRASH BANG WALLOP GOES YOUR MARRIAGE

So here it is you have got through Christmas, New Year is just a few days away yet you know you are in a marriage you want out of. Thoughts may be that come the New Year you will drop the bomb shell or will it be crash bang wallop bang goes your marriage when your spouse drops the bomb shell on you?

It is that time of year again where couples for a variety of reasons separate. Whether it is due to the stresses and strains of life, financial issues, or other reasons it is a fact that now is the time when the incidence of separations take place.

Whether we like it or not infidelity is the primary cause of separation and divorce and the fact that one person has strayed is often blamed for the break up of the marriage. Wrong! It is the result of a broken marriage not the cause.

Whatever the reason for separation life on the Costa Blanca in 2010 has been difficult to say the least and it is not surprising that the incidence of those separating is on the increase.

With difficult economic decisions to be made, the reduced or lack of income and the general strain of life for the expat on the Costa Blanca I think it has to be accepted that separation in a number of instances is inevitable.

The difficulty is that with the economic climate as it is resolving financial issues between two people cannot be easy. There is often only the matrimonial home as an asset and in the present climate the sale of that property would not be to the advantage of either party. However, it is often impossible for couples to fund two properties.

Moreover where children are involved other considerations must also be met.

It is often a natural reaction for the mother to wish to return to the UK to be with her family and start again often with the knowledge that she will receive benefits and/or be able to obtain gainful employment.

The trouble is that it is not that easy and if children are habitually resident in Spain then returning them to the UK is child abduction whether we like it or not. So for anyone facing a separation and considering returning to the UK or indeed any other country they should think twice before they do so and should most certain get consent before they do so.

At the time of any separation or indeed for those contemplating separation they should seek legal advice on their own situation. Every persons circumstances are different so what applies to one person may not apply to another.

Specialising in international divorce and separation issues we know the problems encountered, moreover we know how to deal with them. For anyone needing assistance then they can see our website at http://www.costablancalawyers.com/ . Our new website dealing specifically with international divorce will go live on 1st January and will be packed with information intended to assist those living in Spain.

Written by Jo Caress of Costa Blanca Lawyers