Live News From Spain As It Happens

ray said:
Saturday, May 26, 2012 @ 11:29 AM

What is the population of Spain ? I think that the headline should reflect the fact that only 4000 were asked the question - and they were a captive audience in the health centers.
Remember: " Lies, damned lies and statistics" Numbers can be twisted to give the result that the people with a vested interest want.Makes for a good headline, and most people don't read past the headline figures.
Oh, that reminds me - how did the Greeks manage to fiddle their way into the euro? Time for morning coffee I think - this is making me grumpy.

Jean said:
Sunday, May 27, 2012 @ 7:57 PM

We've had a house in Spain for 5 years, have lived there for over and year and I must admit I was delighted when they banned smoking in bars. OK, I'm asthmatic so maybe that makes me biased, but it's certainly got my vote!

Steve said:
Monday, May 28, 2012 @ 3:25 PM

100% of English males want to ban Immigration!

vote taken at a local BNP meeting :) lol
Well said Ray
"Remember: " Lies, damned lies and statistics" Numbers can be twisted to give the result that the people with a vested interest want.Makes for a good headline, and most people don't read past the headline figures."

Now lets have a realistic survey.

Muck-fe said:
Thursday, June 7, 2012 @ 3:15 PM

Do me a favour... Only the gullible Brits would believe these figures are a true reflection. A very good friend of mine who has a business in Spain emailed me from a family run Spanish hotel in Mallorca two weeks ago, telling me his wife was sat at the hotel bar with many others puffing away like they have always done.

Colin said:
Saturday, June 9, 2012 @ 12:26 PM

As a non smoker I wish they,d reverse the law,I used to love going in bars but since the ban theres no point as most of them are empty.

Steve Cummings said:
Sunday, July 1, 2012 @ 12:18 PM

Absolutely right Colin. And if anyone believes this survey tosh they musn't be looking around for themselves here in Spain.
In my local Bar here in Valencia last night there were 16 customers. Out of that number there were only 3 non-smokers - and one of them was in a buggy! the other two were myself and my wife. And there were 3 members of Staff - all taking turns to go outside for a smoke! :>)

I have never smoked but I believe in freedom for individuals. If people want to smoke, let them. What will be banned next? Fishing? Eating cabbage. "Cabbages feel pain you know!" Watching non-PC Television programmes? Hating Tony Blair?

There are many things wrong with this World which need sorting-out before we start worrying about who is smoking a Woodbine. No use talking to the Prime Minister of the UK about it either, he is totally fascinated by the vital subject of Gay Marriage at the moment.

So I say: Let there be Smoking Bars and Non-Smoking Bars and let people choose. Couldn't be simpler, could it? But of course that would not be enough for the "Ban everything that I disagree with" Brigade. :>)