Saturday, January 21, 2006

Smoke on the water

Anti-smoking laws were introduced in Spain as of Jan. 1st this year. There is no smoking allowed in the workplace, public buildings, public transport, schools, etc. There is still some confusion among the public because the legislation seems to have too many ambiguities. And this is Spain, a country with many heavy smokers!
But it is clear that bars and restaurants of less than 100 sq meters may choose to be either one. The ones over 100 sq m must have a clearly defined non-smoking area. Tonight we are going out for dinner for the fist time since the new legislation. It is the first time to be able to enjoy a smoke-free nice meal. But Mr. Mar made reservations for the smoking area, because we are taking a friend couple out who are visiting our city for the first time and our friend H. smokes. It will be a surprise for H, who smoked his cigarettes out in the street yesterday in order not to get in trouble. I only hope the neighbor tables don't get those cigars out too soon...!

22 comments:

  1. Hello, Michele sent me.
    I heard about the smoking ban in Spain and wondered how non-smokers felt about it. I'm from California and remember when smoking bans started up in L.A. There was a lot of complaining but people got over it pretty quickly, especially when they started being able to taste their food (taste is like 90% smell)

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  2. hi why do you suppose many more smokers in spain? from michele

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  3. David, I don't expect more smokers with the new legislation, if that is what you are asking. I am hoping for clean air... all over!

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  4. I think this is a very good move by Spain. This should have been done a very long time ago but it's better to be late than never. We all know of the serious problems smoking has on our health. For non-smokers inhaling this poisonous gas it can have a much more serious health effect than the person doing the smoking. This is due to the fact that you are inhaling everything. This is called passive smoking.

    Michelle sent me.

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  5. Hello from Michele!

    A smoking ban in Spain?? You'll need to let us know how it was.

    England needs to follow the good example, I have Irish friends who say that the worst thing is the mess outside the pubs / restaurants.

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  6. we have had that ordinance too here but it really hasn't been enforced that much. i still see people who just have to have their fix light up despite signs posted everywhere. they show no consideration for those who came to have an enjoyable smoke-free time...:(

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  7. Interesting that smoking bans are an issue in Europe. I didn't realize that. I don't smoke so it's nice for me, but I also find that non-smoking sections aren't usually much better. Hope your dinner was/will be nice!

    Michele sent me!

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  8. In England, smoking is proposed to be banned in all public places, if the government can push it through.

    Michele sent me here.

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  9. Hi, here from Micheles.

    I was in college when a smoking ban was introduced. Going off campus to buiys ciggs...torture!

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  10. Our state is almost smoke free in public places. I love going out to eat without choking.

    Michele sent me.

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  11. I have asthma so I love the smoking restrictions here in California.

    Michele sent me

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  12. Hope your country can implement the law to its fullest. Based on experience, it was good only for a awhile.

    Michele asked me to say Hi!

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  13. Most of the places around here have banned smoking too, and those who haven't - I don't patronize. Odd, since I used to smoke 2-3 packs a day. I thought that smelling smoke would never bother me - but it really does!

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  14. Enjoy your new smokefree environment. Those spanish cigarettes are kinda stinky on a good day... Hope you had a good meal!

    LadyBug

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  15. We had very similar laws introduced in England back in November...personally as a non-smoker it's made going out a much more pleasent experience.

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  16. We've had smoking bans here in Toronto for many years, and it is the best law! It is actually enjoyable to go out for the evening and not come home reeking of cigarettes!

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  17. I love the growth of non-smoking areas here in Australia, and especially in Sydney. I used to smoke too, but not for about 12 years now and even when I was a smoker I hated a)people who kept smoking at the table right next to yours when you were eating and b) the stench on your clothes and hair the next day when you had been at a pub or restaurant. So, yay Spain! We'll love it even more when we go back!

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  18. We have no smoking laws here in the USA depending on what city you are in. Personally, Hubby and I won't go to a restaurant if we have to sit in a smoking section.

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  19. Chicago just recently put anti-smoking laws into effect too. I never thought I'd see the day, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn my favorite concert small venue has gone smokeless!

    It'll be nice to go out and not ahve to air out my jacket at the end of the night.

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  20. They banned smoking here in Ontario, Canada about 5 years ago. It was a huge issue then, but now everyone's used to it.

    I love it. My wife has asthma, so going out was difficult for her.

    I've written often about the smoking issue - and I'm not a big fan of those who light up.

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  21. Clearly I read your top post first as my comment there would have been appropriate here as well!

    I love the smoking bans. They are one of the best things ever. I don't reek of smoke when I come home from a night at the bar!

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  22. There is a smoking ban in the city I live but there is a big loophole, if over half your patrons are smokers, you can have smoking.....but most restaurants are non smoking.

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