Madrid/Lisbon - An anti-smoking law which entered into force two years ago has helped 1.6 million Spaniards to stop smoking, media reported Wednesday. The law, which prohibits smoking at work and in public buildings and limits it in bars and restaurants, is not always respected, but has nevertheless cut cigarette sales, according to the daily El Pais.
The law has proved most effective in places of work. Several hundred commercial establishments, university faculties, hospitals and other places are under investigation over allegedly breaking the law.
Meanwhile in Portugal, bar and restaurant owners began adjusting to a similar law that entered into force from January 1.
Discotheque owners were collecting signatures against the law, while some other entrepreneurs also feared losing earnings. "It is complicated, because 90 per cent of our clients are smokers," said Ana Oliveira, who runs a cafeteria in Baiao near Oporto.
The law restricts smoking in public buildings, licensed premises, workplaces and shopping centres.
Bars or restaurants measuring less than 100 square metres must choose whether they are smoking or non-smoking, while bigger ones have to ban smoking or establish separate smoking areas.
