Smoking ban in Spain-- Next speaking session: Thursday, 19th Jan

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SPEAKING: Smoking ban in Spain

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One of the toughest antismoking laws in Europe has taken effect in Spain. The ban outlaws smoking in all bars and restaurants. Smokers are also to be prohibited near hospitals or in schools´ playgrounds. But Spain has a strong café and bar culture. The owners of these places have complained that the new law will hurt business . They say they could face a ten % drop in trade. It is an industry that has already seen a sharp fall in business because of the continuous economic crisis in the country. Lobby groups estímate that the ban could lead to the loss of 350.000 jobs as many Spaniards stay at home rather than go without a cigarette in bars. However supporters are looking  to the health benefits. Doctors argue that the new legislation help smokers give up. Some 30% of Spanish people smoke and over  30,000   a year die from smoking-related illnesses, many of them from passive smoking.