Jump to full article: Earth Times, 2009-08-29
Author: Author : DPA
Intro: When Spain toughened anti-smoking legislation in 2006, the measure was hailed as an important step forward in the battle against addiction in the country formerly known as a "smokers' paradise."Three and half years later, however, smoke is again floating in bars, restaurants, and even some places of work, prompting the government to consider stricter legislation.
The current law bans smoking at work and in public places such as hospitals, schools or shopping centres.
Owners of bars or restaurants measuring less than 100 square metres, however, may allow smoking. . . .
The anti-smoking law is not applied fully in some regions. Those do not carry out inspections, do not apply sanctions, or have watered the law down with their own decrees, according to press reports.
The 2006 law has been "beneficial," but it has "gaps" and is not clear enough, Health Minister Trinidad Jimenez said.
The positive effects of the law could be observed in 2006, when the number of heart attacks went down by about 10 per cent.
One million Spaniards are estimated to have stopped smoking since the law entered into force.
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