Spain’s Anti-Tobacco Law Cuts Smokers by 600,000
December 29th, 2011
Spain’s reform of the tobacco law has paid off, resulting in 600,000 fewer smokers and a reduction in sales estimated at 500 million packs during its first year in operation, according to estimates by the National Committee for Smoking Prevention (NPTC).
The legislation, which came into effect on 2nd January 2011 and prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, has also had a positive impact on the pollution inside bars, restaurants and nightclubs. According to provisional data from the NPTC, the fine particles from tobacco smoke fell by 90% in these establishments.
El Pais reported that the Committee’s results have also demonstrated that hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction were reduced by 10% in the last year, and by 15% for childhood asthma.
Despite the impact of the rule, more than 25% of Spanish continue to smoke, while in other countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, the rate is below 15%.
According to the NPTC, these figures are “good reasons for not taking backward steps with this law and to continue to progress measures for the prevention and control of tobacco.” In their view, “any backward step or legislative change would not be understood” and “could lead to conflict,” putting the health of groups such as children, pregnant women, or employees, immediately once again at risk “
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