The Spain-wide smoking ban will hit Almeria.
Photo Credit: Huzaifa Ginwala via Unsplash
FOLLOWING Spain’s approval on an anti-smoking and anti-vaping law draft, new tobacco restrictions are tightening with regards to Spain’s public areas… and that includes Almeria. The draft has already outright banned smoking in public places including university campuses and terraces, though the full enforcement of the law is likely to take six to twelve months.
Aiming to improve public health and protect the vulnerable population, in particular youths, the law is a double-edged sword. Though many Almeria residents will benefit from the clampdown, a great many will sorely miss the over-the-table tapas, beers, and smokes, which are a staple of the Spanish lifestyle.
In the province of Almeria specifically, the ban will come into effect in pubs, restaurants, sports facilities, public transport stops, health centres, and educational centres. The ban will prohibit tobacco within a 15-metre perimeter around these establishments, and will include e-cigarettes and vapes (with and without nicotine), which have spiked in popularity, especially among youths, in recent years.
The law will also prohibit the advertisement of tobacco and tobacco-related products, including on digital and social media, and cultural and sporting event sponsorships.
Mixed reactions
While some welcome the change, as secondhand smoke is a major issue in Spain and particularly in Almeria, local pub owners fear losing clients and eventual closure, as smoking has become a lifestyle as much as beer and tapas has. Additionally, pub owners are concerned about the feasibility of banning tobacco in public spaces, and fear they may not be able to stop their patrons from smoking, even if they wanted to. In the case of local shop and pub owners, the hefty fine for infractions would fall on their shoulders.
As for residents, the reaction has been mixed. Some heavy smokers agree that in places like the beach, the ban is reasonable, but lament the loss of their social cigs in pubs. Others say that, as with marijuana restrictions, people will learn to adapt.
All things considered, one thing is abundantly clear: health and public safety officials will need to monitor the situation closely to determine if the ban is effective … or even if residents will take it seriously.