News

Tough Anti-Smoking Law Starts on first of January

Around 30 percent of Spaniards smoke and tobacco causes 50,000 deaths in Spain each year, more than all deaths caused by AIDS, alcohol and road accidents together.

According to the new law, smoking is now forbidden in all places of work, both public and private and all public buildings. Employees who want to smoke must do so outside, and must make up the time lost at work too.
Restaurants, discos and bars over 100 m2 must provide a separate area for smokers which must be properly signed and divided from the main area with its own ventilation system and can not be more than 30 percent of the total area of the establishment. Any establishments unable to provide a separate area with the said features are obliged to prohibit smoking altogether.
Owners of bars, cafes and restaurants under 100m2 can decide whether or not to allow smoking.
Shops, supermarkets, etc. are no longer authorised to sell cigarettes, cigars or tobacco. The only establishments allowed to sell tobacco are licensed estancos, the traditional stamp and cigarette shops in Spain.