Smoking ban

Fuerteventura, being one of the Canary Islands and therefore a haven for smokers, due to the low price of tobacco, will be affected by stringent anti-smoking laws that came into force today, the 1st January.

The most immediate impact will be in the workplace, as smoking will be banned in all workplaces and public buildings. The television news programmes have shown ash trays being removed by the score from public buildings.

Of more interest to tourists visiting the island will be the situation regarding bars and restaurants, where some smoking will be allowed. Premises under 100 metres square will have the choice of whether to be smoking or non smoking establishments, but must clearly show their status. Premises over this size will have to have smoking areas that are well ventilated and completely separate from non smoking areas. It is estimated that the work required to fulfil these conditions will cost an average of 30,000 euros. Children will not be allowed in smoking designated premises.

There is some confusion and a certain amount of ignorance about the law amongst bar and restaurant owners, but as such premises have until the 1st September to comply with the regulations, the situation should become clearer over the next few months. The range of fines, from 30 to 600,000 euros, means that having an understanding of the law is a financial necessity.

The laws have been brought in by the Spanish government as a means of combating the high level of fatalities associated with smoking. It is estimated that smoking kills some 50,000 Spanish smokers per year as well as around 700 non smokers as a result of passive smoking.

Smoking ban

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