Too late, but welcomed all the same.

At the beginning of this year, Spain finally passed a loophole-free anti-smoking law.

There had been lots of murmurings in the anticipation of the law going into effect.   In 2006, a different law was passed that more or less banned smoking in workspaces and allowed small establishments to choose whether to be a smoke-free zone.

Yeah. That worked swell.  Any place that did ban smoking only lost patrons to those that didn't, and then in turn reversed their policy to lure them back.

So now, probably in an act of desperation, saving face, and pride, Spain has now enacted one of the most restrictive no-smoking laws in all of Europe.  And I quote (from another blogger who's much more informed than I):

"According to the new law, smoking is now forbidden in all places of work, both public and private and all public buildings. Employees who want to smoke must do so outside, and must make up the time lost at work too.  Restaurants, discos and bars over 100m2 must provide a separate area for smokers which must be equipped with clear signs, be properly divided from the main area with its own ventilation system, must not be in an area where people have to walk through to get in or out of the establishment and can not be more than 30 percent of the total area of the establishment and never more than 300 metres. Any establishments unable to provide a separate area with the said features are obliged to prohibit smoking altogether. Owners of bars, cafes and restaurants under 100m2 can decide whether or not to allow smoking on the premises. Shops, supermarkets, newsagents (kioscos) etc. are no longer authorised to sell cigarettes, cigars or tobacco. The only establishments allowed to sell tobacco are licensed estancos, the traditional stamp and cigarette shops in Spain."

Phew.  It's crazy to think that I had actually gotten used to going to restaurants, bars and clubs and being molested by the smoke, and then coming home only to still have it on my clothes and in my hair.  What seems funnier though, is that now that things have changed, I have hardly noticed it, and only do when my attention is specifically drawn to the fact that the room isn't filled with burning smoke.  It's funny the things you take for granted when you've been living smoke-free for years now.

I think many people are still holding their breath (pun intended) to see if this whole thing really pans out and works in the long run.  Of course places are seriously worried about losing business because of the strict new law.  But if only they would look to the future and only realize that what might be lost is only temporary and smokers will only adjust their habits in accordance to the new laws.  Non-smokers might also indulge in a few more drinks because their eyes aren't stinging anymore.  If all restaurants adhere to the law, no restaurant will loose business.  But honestly, I can't see the Spanish using such common-sense reason, especially given how the loose the last law was.  There are already several reports of certain restaurants and bars refusing to enforce it.  I'm curious to see where that leads.

For now, I just giggle at the group of people standing outside the doors, in the cold, smoking away.  Meanwhile the rest of us can finally breath a sigh of relief.