Spain Bans Smoking in Most Public Places

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

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Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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If you’ve been to Spain, then you know Spaniards like to smoke. So it should come as something of a surprise next time you visit and notice that all the smoke is gone. That’s because Spanish lawmakers voted late last year to ban smoking in almost all public places; the law took effect last week.

According to the BBC, the new law bans smoking in restaurants, bars, offices, shops, schools, hospitals, and on public transport. Businesses occupying more than 100 square meters (a bit over 1,000 square feet) have eight months to construct smoking sections, if they so choose.

Despite Spain’s reputation as a smoking-crazy country, a government-issued survey showed that 70 percent of the public supports the ban. Other surveys say roughly 30 percent of Spaniards smoke.

Spain is my favorite country to visit, and it’s true: Smoking does (well, did) seem ubiquitous there—especially coming from the U.S., where smoking in public has been banned for years in many cities and states.

Readers, what do you think about the ban?

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