26/10/2005.

The Spanish Parliament has passed a law establishing a smoking ban in public and private workplaces, which will come into force on 1 January 2006. It unanimously agreed to throw out plans to allow smoking areas in workplaces when a new law kicking the habit comes in next year. All parties voted to get rid of a clause in a forthcoming bill which would have allowed 'smoking areas' within the workplace. Lighting up in the workplace will be prohibited. Owners of bars and restaurants larger than 100 square metres will be forced to have air conditioning and non-smoking areas in at least 70 percent of the area.

With this step the Spain follows other European countries which already passed legislation to stub out smoking in the workplace, including Ireland and Italy.

• More information on European Network for Smoking Prevention