Trouble in Spain, and they don't like the smoking ban either

There appears to be rebellion in Spain against the smoking ban. Faced with austerity measures for the sake of stabilising international markets, the authorities there couldn't let the public take solace in a smoke and a drink, but the austerity measures had to include a ban on public smoking too. There are reports that some licensees will not enforce the law.

The unhappiness shows itself in a fight over smoking, resulting in a hotelier needing stitches. I remember hearing about a bar tender in Leith who was hit by a glass in the early days of the ban in Scotland: reported here. Such incidents have been rare in Scotland, at least not widely reported. A landlord in Bolton was rewarded by a broken leg for enforcing the smoking ban. Bar staff should not have been used to police a ban against their customers that must have been soul-destroying for thousands of people on both sides of the bar.

Feelings about watching Spain go through what we've already been through are inexpressible ... their ban is worse because it applies to certain outdoor areas.

The Dutch example could help them. What can the rest of us do?

Greek rebellion continues

From this:

To this.

Can you imagine a protest being supported by one hundred and fifty-two associations of pub and restaurant operators? Magnificent. I hope the Scottish Licensed Trade Association is reading this.

Cyprus has also discovered that the smoking ban had contra-indicative effects (more tobacco sales).