No-Smoking Ban

[Brian]

When we were in Spain over New Year's, the big furor was over the smoking ban in bars/restaurants. Is that still an ongoing point of contention? Have most bars chosen to be smoke-free or do most of them allow smoking?

[Marina]

Unfortunately most of the small bars allow smoking, they choose this option because they think is better for their business.

In bars or restaurants over 100m2 they have to divide it in two separate parts. So at least you have the option of choosing non-smoking area.

[Brian]

I still find it quite amazing that they were able to pass such a law in Spain given that it seems that smoking is so engrained in the Spanish culture. I personally was glad to find a few of the places that we visited had decided to be non-smoking establishments.

[lumpsuckerpig]

I still find it quite amazing that they were able to pass such a law in Spain given that it seems that smoking is so engrained in the Spanish culture. I personally was glad to find a few of the places that we visited had decided to be non-smoking establishments.

Yep isn't is great, clean air for us non smokers!!

[Alan]

Scotland introduced a much more severe ban at the end of March. No smoking is allowed within 9 metres from any public place where over 50% of the perimeter is enclosed. If you think about it, it even includes smoking shelters . . . everywhere will be like this soon.

[Brian]

It's been fairly strict in the States for some time, although restaurants for the most part have an increasingly smaller smoking section.

That said, smoking does seem to be on the rise again in the States. :eek:

[richardksa]

During my last visit in Feb the bars and cafes seemed to be divided about fifty/fifty. It was interesting to note that of two, almost adjoining cafes near Callao, which prevously permitted smoking, one had banned it while the other permitted it. The smoking cafe was always full!

In other places I noticed that while a sign on the door might say no smoking, if a patron asked for an ashtray, one was invariably produced.

Out of Madrid, my hotel permitted smoking at the bar while standing up, but not while seated. However, smokers and non-smokers mingled with only a few complaints.

[Brian]

In other places I noticed that while a sign on the door might say no smoking, if a patron asked for an ashtray, one was invariably produced.



Interesting! What is the multa (fine) if an establishment gets caught doing this?

[guapo]

Just noticed this story in the UK Guardian newspaper today.

The town of L´Escala on the Costa Brava has banned smoking on one small beach. The mayor is quoted as saying that it will be extended to other beaches if it is successful (and presumably if they don't run him out of town!)

You can find the story at http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1754311,00.html

[Ben]

Great! There is nothing worse that turning up old cigarette butts on an otherwise pristine beach. Let's see if it works....

[Ben]

Interesting! What is the multa (fine) if an establishment gets caught doing this?

A blog I read (http://prohibidofumarblog.blogspot.com/2006/01/como-son-las-multas-de-la-ley.html) quoted between 600 and 10,000 Euros

[Brian]

A blog I read (http://prohibidofumarblog.blogspot.com/2006/01/como-son-las-multas-de-la-ley.html) quoted between 600 and 10,000 Euros

Ouch! :eek:

[Alan]

That's not a great amount for a business. And if it's anything like the fines for driving offences, it is probably very difficult to be "caught".

[Brian]

That's not a great amount for a business. And if it's anything like the fines for driving offences, it is probably very difficult to be "caught".

But a small business to get nailed for even 5,000 euros is quite a stiff fine, in my opinion.

I would agree that it's probably very hard to get caught, unless the Guardia is out looking to bust people.