Smoking ban expected for Spain

Spain remains one of the few EU countries which presently allows smoking in most public places, a surprise to visitors.  Not for long, however.  It is expected that a bill which prohibits the practice will pass through Parliament on 2 January 2011, but not guaranteed a safe passage.

Spanish bars and restaurants are infamous for their smoky atmosphere but with tourism now an even more vital sector the Government has decided that it is time to act.  And before the EU comes in with its own ban!  Hotels can allocate 30% of rooms to smokers

In 1996 a law was issued which prohibited smoking in the workplace, resulting in loud protests.  Interestingly in Spanish speaking Ecuador smoking is very much frowned upon, although to be fair the whole country embraces the eco concept. www.associatedpress.com

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum