Spain bans smoking in bars, restaurants | AHN

Spain bans smoking in bars, restaurants | AHN: "Spanish parliamentarians on Wednesday approved a tough anti-smoking law, which restricts individuals from smoking in an enclosed area. The ban will come into effect starting January 2, 2011. Smokers will not be allowed to smoke in bars, restaurants, or near school playgrounds and hospitals.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero proposed the bill and the Lower House passed it by a 189 to 154 vote.
The move has upset bar and café owners, who fear that it will indirectly affect their business. Spain had already imposed anti-smoking law in 2006, but lighting up in any enclosed public space will end its famed image of smoke-filled bars, corner cafes and restaurants.
The lawmakers, meanwhile, rejected an amendment call to either allow casinos to have smoking zones or build sealed cubicles for smokers.
However, doctors are happy with the new legislation with the hope that this will help smokers to give up the habit.
Nearly 160 Spaniards die every day from smoking-related illness. Spanish Health Minister Leire Pajin has requested all citizens to share responsibility to make the new law a success."

:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.