theibizasun
SMOKE FREE
The 2nd of January marked an historic day for the country as Spain followed the likes of UK, Ireland and Italy by introducing tough new anti-tobacco laws. After many months of pledges from the Government, the legislation, first suggested by former Health Minister, Trinidad Jimenez, which bans smoking in bars, restaurants, discotheques, casinos, airports, as well as children's playgrounds, and access points to schools and hospitals, is finally in place. Hotels will be allowed to allocate up to 30 per cent of their rooms to smokers, with fines for breaking the law ranging from €30 up to €600,000 for the most serious cases.
However, it has not been easy for the Government to introduce the new measures and they have faced huge criticism, especially from the hospitality industry about the timing of the changes. The Spanish Federation of Hostelry estimates that the ban will lead to job losses in the region of 300,000, with customers electing to dine/drink at home.
However, Spain's new Health Minister, Leire Pajin, remained defiant claiming, "We should remember that more than 70% of Spain's population are non-smokers, so it is logical to think they will be more comfortable in bars when there is no tobacco smoke in them."
The other side of the coin is presented by the Spanish tobacco producers, most of which are to be found in Cáceres, Extremadura. Ninety-five per cent of all Spain's tobacco is produced in this area and consumption nationwide is five times more than that, at some 42 million kilograms. What concerns the growers is the end of the EU subsidies; a year ago a kilo of tobacco earned them just over €3, €2 from Brussels and €1.08 from its sale, but today the same weight is worth only €2.30, and they are feeling the pinch. The industry employs some 20,000 people, and the President of the Agricultural Society pointed out that it is a simple question of maths; “we have to double production to earn the same as a few years agoâ€.
It is hoped that many people will take advantage of the opportunity to give up their vice using different forms of aids. From hypnosis, ‘electronic' cigarettes, nicotine patches and chewing gum which calms the nerves, nothing is more effective than the willpower of the smoker to kick the habit, although the Government for one will be hoping not too many people succeed, for the time being at least. According to calculations after tobacco was increased in the recent budget, it has reckoned on raking in around €780 million more from smokers in 2011, a healthy figure considering the current financial strife the Government finds itself in.
However, as the hostelry sector accounts for seven per cent of gross domestic product, the government will hope there is not too big an economic fallout from the ban, as Prime Minister, Jose Luis Zapatero, keeps one eye on elections in 2012.
) than a little second-hand smoke!
