Spain´s tough new anti smoking laws were introduced on Sunday – prohibiting smokers from lighting up in any enclosed area or location close to schools and playgrounds.  And already local bar and restaurant owners are fuming at the impact the legislation is likely to have on their businesses.
The country had already passed a partial smoking ban back in 2006, but this has now been extended to include all enclosed areas such as bars and restaurants.  With even outdoor areas, such as restaurant terraces with more than two walls now a …

The catering industry believes that 14% of all bars and restaurants in the Canary Islands are likely to close during 2010 due to the anti-smoking law.
The president of the association of bars, restaurants and cafés (Federation of Catering and Tourism Businesses or the FEHT), Fernando Company, made this estimate amidst accusations that the Government is being more papal than the pope in relation to the tobacco prohibition in public spaces.
‘It will be total ruin in these times of crisis’ he commented, ‘stating that the likely decrease in business would see …