No smoking in public places in Menorca

From January 2nd 2011 smoking has been banned in all public places in Menorca, including bars and restaurants. The wide spread compliance seems to be due mainly to a general acceptance of the law and also heavy fines for those not honouring it. For first offenders the fine is 30 euros but for 3 fines or more it can be up to 100,000 euros. Owners can also be fined for not displaying no smoking signs outside their establishments.

Hotels too are only allowed to set aside 30% of rooms for smokers and these must be away from non smoking rooms. Elsewhere in the building smoking is not permitted even for private functions.

There is concern that bars and restaurants may lose business as a result of this and follow what appears to be have happened in the UK where 7.6% of the total number of pubs had closed down in the 3 years following the smoking ban. Others are more welcoming and prefer to be able to eat a meal without the bother of cigarette smoke. Lots will no doubt make use of outside terraces for the sneaky puff!