Things of huge interest to some

alanspain said:
07 January 2012 @ 08:19

What smoking ban, most Spanish bars are still allowing smoking to regulars.

KandA Books said:
07 January 2012 @ 11:01

We live in Valencia and the smoking ban is strongly enforced here - hardly any bars allow smoking (I've certainly not been in any).
The smoking ban has been a huge improvement here.

kendal downs said:
07 January 2012 @ 11:36

As a non smoker, I think that the smoking ban is far to rigid.
If a fellow likes a beer and a fag, there should be bars available, the non smokers do NOT have to use these bars.Its dicriminating.

thor said:
07 January 2012 @ 13:36

kendal.

Please convince me that there will be non-smoking bars for non-smokers available if (and after) the smoke ban is lifted.
Any smoker can enter a non-smoking bar, but it is a health hazard for a non-smoker to enter a bar permitting smoking, so the real discrimination will be the other way.

Smiley said:
07 January 2012 @ 14:26

My personal view as a smoker is that a bar owner should be given the choice as to whether to impose a smoking ban or not but then I will always be biased.
I consider myself lucky that living in a country with such good weather rarely is it a problem for me to go outside for a quick weed.
From what I can see most bar owners are enforcing the ban as they conscious of the inspectors and the huge fines they risk. From the commercial perspective I know of 2 bars that claim they have had to close owing to a reduced number of customers - whether that would have been the case owing to economy who knows. I know that I tend to go to my local about 60% of the amount I used to before as I am less inclined to drop in for a quick drink or a coffee and the owner seems less busy outside of events such as televised sports and entertainment.

Smiley said:
07 January 2012 @ 14:44

Thor - I am inclined to think that if a distinction is drawn between non smoking bars and those that permit it, most smokers will choose to drink in those that permit smoking rather than go somewhere that doesnt - I am not sure it can be defined as discrimination as it will still be a matter of choice for a non smoker to enter a bar that permits it

Brian Abbott said:
07 January 2012 @ 15:06

Spain's off my holiday list if the smoking ban is lifted. The smoking ban in the UK was the single best thing that the Labour government ever did. I can't express enough what an absolute pleasure it was to a non-smoker like me to be able to go into pubs and restaurants of my choice an not to suffer health wise at the hands of inconsiderate smokers. It was such a pleasure to go home without my clothes stinking to high heaven. I couldn't wear suits when I went out during the smoking years, which was a big disappointment.

pamela west said:
07 January 2012 @ 15:46

I will not come to Spain for my holiday anymore if the smoking ban is lifted. I think people in England are now used to the new law, and realize there health is more important.

appyinspain said:
07 January 2012 @ 17:54

People are arguing that the bar owner should have the choice to allow smoking or not. But those who work in bars do not have a choice, so what do they do pack in the job and look for another, have you seen the unemployment figures. No keep the ban and strongly enforce it, if you want to smoke go outside, I am enjoying visiting bars and retaurants and not going home smelling like an ashtray.

Mary Catalunia said:
07 January 2012 @ 18:36

In the small village where we live, the bars that are busiest are the ones where the smokers can sit outside in the warmth of the winter sun - the joy of leaving the non-smokers inside is brilliant and some of the brighter ones come out and sit in the sun with us

greg said:
08 January 2012 @ 09:30

Well i am disgusted to hear this rumour..! I was glad the PP got in..but hearing this.. not so sure..!
As for the comment from someone earlier thinking that the bar owner should be the one to decide.. that is a stupid suggestion.. as it was the way it was before the ban came in...and did NOT work as the bar next door allowed smoking, so they would lose business if they banned smoking in their bar SO the bars would allow smoking.. ALL of them.. The ban is working and the world is a better place for it..
I have been in New Zealand for a break for 2 weeks and have not seen one person smoking..!! amazing to think when in the UK and in Spain all you see is people despirate to have 'a fag'
message to all the smokers..get over it..you've had it all your own way for decades think its about time for clean air..!

tom katt said:
09 January 2012 @ 10:11

I thought the smoking ban was a European directive ! not open to change by governments of individual country's once signed up to it, why here in Spain would anyone want to sit inside to smoke anyway. most smokers i know only smoke outside at home ! when asked .. mind if i smoke? ... i say no ..... mind if i urinate up your leg ? (both things can be very annoying) .