Extension to "No Smoking" Ban To Take Effect in 2010

Trinidad Jiminez, the Minister for Health, has confirmed that Spain is to introduce an extended smoking ban in at some point in 2010, when “No Smoking” signs will be displayed in all indoor public places. At the moment the legislation which has been in place since 2006 permits smaller bars and restaurants to choose whether to allow smoking on the premises or not on the proviso that if they do allow it, they must provide a separate area for smokers.

That is all due to change once the extension to the legislation takes effect, but The Minister went on to state that these changes will NOT extend to open air premises, such as restaurant terraces and bull rings, where smoking will still be permitted.

The Minister stated that the decision is essentially based on protecting the health of the public, and said she believes that Spain is ‘culturally prepared’ for such stricter measures to be implemented. She did not say exactly when during 2010 the extended ban would take effect, but she did comment that negotiations are in their final phase, with a large amount of support for the move amongst politicians.

The proposal has been criticised by Bar & Restaurant owners, where it’s felt that profits will suffer due to this and that many businesses may be forced to close.