Ten complaints against smokers at Palma airport

TEN complaints about smoking in non-smoking areas of the airport have been filed with the Guardia Civil bringing the number of complaints since the new anti-smoking law came into force two months ago up to 13. Balearic health minister Aina Castillo expressed her satisfaction at the results, following a meeting with representatives of bars, restaurants and leisure centres to analyse the acceptance of the new law, which bans smoking in public places and bars and restaurants, unless a special smokers' area is provided. Francisco Martinez, president of the bar, cafeteria and restaurant association, said that 90 per cent of members had marked out smokers' areas in their premises and by the end of next month, all members will have complied with it. Juan Miralles, head of a restaurant owners association, said that most members had complied and there had been few complaints.
The maximum fine for breaking the new law, which also governs drugs, is one million euros. Lesser offences can incur fines of up to 6'000 euros.
Castillo said that her ministry will step up inspections now that the “period of grace” given for premises to adapt to the law is over. However, no extra inspectors will be taken on. The health ministry has also introduced a programme to help people stop smoking. It is currently available in 20 health centres and by the end of the year should be available in 30. The hotline set up by the ministry to handle queries about the new law handled more than 1'100 calls in two months and the website had 4'500 hits.