Sales of Tobacco rises inspite of non-smoking laws

Tobacco sales in Spain have risen since the so-called 'anti-smoking law' became effective at the beginning of 2006.

According to the ministry of the economy, last year saw tobacconists netting sales of 12,536 million euros, a growth of 1.38 % on the previous year's 12,365 million.

Only the Comunidad Valenciana and the Balearic Islands saw falling sales, but this could partly be due to a drop in tourist figures, since northern European holidaymakers are known to take huge consignments of Spain's much cheaper cigarettes home with them.

Sales went up the most in Extremadura, Spain's main tobacco producer, with a rise of 7.48 % over 12 months.

The Region of Andalucía sold 2,241 million euros' worth of cigarettes and rolling tobacco, just below Catalunya and just ahead of Madrid and the Comunidad Valenciana.

Sales of rolling tobacco have gone up in the past year, given the recession and the higher prices of ready-rolled cigarettes.