As from the 2nd January 2011, Spain will enforce a new tough anti-smoking law, joining some of Europe’s strictest anti-smoking nations by prohibiting smoking in enclosed places.
Spain’s previous anti-smoking law which was put in place in 2006 was designed to crack down on smoking in all public spaces; however, it’s major flaw – and the reason for its failure – was that it allowed owners of bars, cafes and restaurants to decide whether they would allow smoking in their establishments; the majority chose to do so!
The new law which comes into effect on the 2nd January is a lot stricter. The following are some of the main points:
- No smoking in enclosed public spaces
- No smoking in playgrounds and grounds of schools and hospitals
- No smoking in Bars, Cafes and Restaurants (this is the biggie!)
So what does this mean for Sunset Beach Club?
As from the 2nd January 2011, Sunset Beach Club will become a Smoke Free Zone. Smoking in all interior areas of the hotel, including indoor public areas and the apartments will be strictly prohibited.
Smoking will only be permitted in the following areas of the hotel:
- 1st floor: In the swimming pool area; on the terrace next to the restaurant; at the pool bar; in the archery area; and where there are sunbeds (except for the area near the children’s playground).
- 6th Floor: On the balcony next to the Panorama Bar and in the passageway at the hotel entrance.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the new anti-smoking law is enforced by the government; Spain has always been known as one of Europe’s most permissive countries in terms of smoking in public places. It’s going to be hard for many to get out of the habit of “lighting up” in a bar and only strict enforcement of the law will ensure its success.
– Navigate here to get information about rehabilitation and treatment.
