Anti smoking laws in Spain have had little effect during 2006

December 14, 2006

The Spanish Anti Smoking Legislation has proved too generous, with small bar and restaurant owners in Spain being given an effective choice on whether or not to allow smoking. It’s almost a year since the Spanish Government introduced anti-smoking legislation which at the time many people thought a most unlikely event in Spain. It’s was a bit like legislating for Spaniards to be quiet when in the local bar. Health Minister, Elena Salgado, has threatened to toughen up the law if it proves not to be effective as is, so smokers beware that we are expecting her to act again in the New Year. The Minister has plenty of space to increases taxes on cigarettes . For example the most popular brand in France sells for €4.20 while here in Spain it is €2.70. Despite all its weaknesses, the new legislation has resulted in a fall in tobacco sales in Spain of between 5% and 7% over last year. It’s a reduction that is six times greater than that seen in 2005, and so the legislation has, at least, had some effect. For an extensive choice of new and off plan property for sale in Spain on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, visit the Novocasa website.