Spain has long been known as the last smoker’s paradise in Western Europe but from 2nd January 2011 it joined the ranks of anti-smoking European countries. Spain has introduced one of Europe's toughest smoking bans which even prohibits lighting up in open spaces like children's playgrounds and outside hospitals.

People caught breaking the ban can be fined from just 30€ up to a massive 600,000€ for repeat offenders.  Landlords of premises where the smoking ban is not enforced also face fines between 60€ and 600,000€ for each violation.  Despite this, many bar owners are displaying signs that they are not enforcing the ban and that it is up to the police to do so.

The new legislation bans smoking on public transport (including taxis), in closed public spaces (bars, restaurants, cinemas, casinos, bingo halls, airports, etc) and some open spaces like children's playgrounds and the access points of hospitals and schools. 

The government says the new smoking ban is a necessary step to tackle the 55,000 smoking-related deaths in Spain each year.  It is estimated that almost 35 percent of Spaniards older than 16 are regular smokers, a record in the European Union. Some 40 percent of women between 15 and 25 are addicted, a threefold increase in 20 years.

The Spanish Federation of Hostelry estimates that the ban could lead to the loss of up to 350,000 jobs.  The evidence from other countries where the ban has already taken place is actually contrary to this statement with an increase in non-smoking patrons.

The previous anti-tobacco legislation gave small bar owners the choice as to whether or not they would allow smoking with a compulsory sign on the door advising the public either way. Larger bars/restaurants were obliged to have a separate smoking area.

Where are you still allowed to smoke?

• up to 30% of hotel rooms
• Stadiums
• Bullfighting arenas
• Prisons
• Psychiatric hospitals