[Intl-tobacco] Spain prepares for smoking ban in workplaces

[Robert Weissman]

*http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=3D165806218&p=3Dy658x69z4

Ireland On-line

Spain prepares for smoking ban in workplaces*
/13/12/2005 - 15:21:44/

Spain launched a campaign today to make smokers aware of the need to
respect no-smoking spaces, two days before parliament was expected to
give final approval to a ban on smoking in the workplace.

More than 50,000 Spaniards die each year as a direct result of smoking,
and 700 from passive smoking, the Health Ministry said, adding that the
habit killed more people than AIDS and workplace and traffic accidents
together.

More than 30% of Spaniards smoke, the ministry said.

The new anti-smoking campaign, with the slogan =93Inside you know it=92s
good for you,=94 has a budget of more than =803.7m and includes an online
guide to help people give up smoking.

Advertisements were being run in newspapers and on radio, television and
billboards.

On Thursday politicians are expected to pass a ban on smoking in office
buildings, shopping malls, cultural centres and public transport, among
other public indoor spaces, as well as in areas where food is prepared
and sold.

The legislation would go into effect on January 1 if passed.

All political parties in the Spanish parliament back the measure, which
also forbids the sale of tobacco to people under 18 and extends a ban on
cigarette advertising to include the media, billboards and product
promotions.

Violators could be face fines between =8029.70 and =80593,700.

Under the new law, smoking would be allowed in smaller bars and
restaurants, at the proprietors=92 discretion, but such premises would
have to be clearly marked as allowing smoking.

Airports, theatres and cinemas would also have to designate and separate
areas for smoking.