THE ashtrays are still on the terrace tables at Hustle ‘n’ Flow Eatery in San Pedro Alcantara – for now.
But soon, Remily, the restaurant owner, might be forced to remove them.
Spain’s government has approved a comprehensive draft law aimed at creating a smoke-free generation by 2040.
It would ban smoking in parks, beaches, bus stops and the terraces of bars and restaurants, although it still needs parliamentary approval.
“It will be difficult with the new rules. People just want to sit, relax, have a coffee and a cigarette,” Remily says while organizing the cutlery, preparing for the rush hour.
“But if they implement the ban, we will comply with the new rules.”
Hospitality associations in Spain have called for action against the proposed ban on terraces, claiming that over 30,000 businesses would be at risk of closing.
“It feels very restrictive,” Remily says. “But as long as the ban applies to all restaurants and bars equally, I hope we won’t lose customers.”
As Remily sees the glass half full, many businesses are worried that the law could have a negative effect and might even force some bars or restaurants to close.
Around the corner, at Boulevard Café, owned by Davide Martin, several customers are lost in their conversations, enjoying their wine while tipping the ash from their cigarettes into the ashtrays on the tables.
“I don’t agree with the smoking ban,” Martin says, determined to leave the ashtrays on the tables for as long as he is allowed.
“I want people to be able to enjoy themselves on my terrace and be able to smoke if they want to.”
A little further down from the restaurant, John Adrian King is smoking a cigarette outside the hotel where he is staying.
He has been smoking for several years and is happy to find that a pack of cigarettes costs half what it does in his hometown of London.
“I think the ban is a good thing,” he says. “It affects other people. Imagine you are trying to quit.”
In Spain, around five million packs are sold per day, amounting to 2.6 billion packs a year, making Spain the fourth-largest cigarette market in Europe.
Roughly 29% of adult men smoke, compared with about 27% of adult women.
The government says the rules are needed to change consumption habits.
Spain is planning to fine smokers up to €600 for lighting up a cigarette in prohibited areas. This also includes vaping, nicotine pouches, and shisha.
At Hustle ‘n’ Flow Eatery, a no-smoking sign hangs on the front door.
“Many years ago, people smoked inside,” Remily says. “Then the rules changed and people got used to it.”
Click here to read more Health News from The Olive Press.
