A tough anti-smoking law has taken effect in Spain.

The ban - one of the strictest in Europe - outlaws smoking in all bars and restaurants. Smokers will also be prohibited on television broadcasts, near hospitals or in school playgrounds.

The law tightens anti-smoking restrictions introduced in 2006.

Spain has a strong cafe culture and the owners of bars and cafes have complained the law will hurt business.

The anti-smoking rules introduced in 2006 outlawed smoking in the workplace, but it let bar and restaurant owners choose whether or not to allow it. Most chose not to impose any ban.

Only large restaurants and bars were obliged to provide a smoke-free area.

Hotel, restaurant and bar owners have said they could face a 10% drop in trade with the new rules. The industry has already seen a sharp fall in sales due to Spain's economic problems.

But doctors argue the new legislation will help smokers give up.

Some 160 Spaniards a day die from smoking-related illnesses, four of them from passive smoking.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12104056

'You there, kill yourself at home ffs!'

I assume that's a grammar fail, and it means "smoking" rather than "smokers".

Good (from a selfish point of view).
I like not having to breath in smoke in restaurants and bars, and I'd like that to continue when I go on holiday in September.

I wonder what's going to happen in hospitals. Here in England, smokers have a smoking shelter. You can see staff huddling up for a quick fag during breaks. But what's just as funny is that you'll see patients holding drip stands smoking outside too.

If you feel that strongly then why book a holiday to Spain?

I don't feel that strongly, I just like the change.

Hmmm...

I can't help but think that, although I approve of being able to drink in smoke-free environments, I strongly disapprove of banning things. The question is however: How do we achieve those smoke-free pubs without a ban?

Hard to see the future is...

Have a smoking licence section on the premises licence.

That way you can have smoking & nonsmoking pubs.

I'm an ex-smoker myself (30 years stopped) and can't abide the habit. I too have seen the huddle of staff and patients immediately outside hospital entrances, some wheeling drips, others in wheelchairs, all invariably in pj's and dressing gowns (not the staff lol).... I find it both pathetic and sad.

I do however think that this new rule, and to an extent our own no smoking rules, are quite draconian. I'm fairly sure it's caused the closure of many pubs in this country. Don't we have the wit and technology to create "smoking rooms" in our pubs and clubs where powerful extractor fans can suck away the foul air those who choose to smoke create ?

I pick Nic up regularily from hospital (because she works there not because she's accident prone) and the amount of people I see outside looking like they've just gotten through something horrible or are about to have something horrible done and they're outside in the cold wearing very little with medical equipment attached to themselves smoking. It's nuts. It also doesnt help that they let people do it outside the main entrance when it's supposed to be banned on the grounds altogether.

Just as bad though I find are the gaggle of teen (soon to be) mums outside maternity, their bellies full baby, grabbing a fag before going onto the ward/delivery suite.

I must admit that, overall, I agree with the smoking bans. However, as an occasional smoker, it does bug me that I can't smoke comfortably.

Smoking and non-smoking pubs should be allowed, or perhaps having tech to get rid of smoke...

I find it odd that people will choose not to go out to a restaurant because they can't have a fag.

They should enforce the ban and also ensure all hospital property remains on-site.

How so ? Its a matter of personal choice.

To me that seems sensible. ( an ex smoker )