Spain plans to ban smoking in all bars, restaurants in 2010

MADRID, Spain — Spain's health minister says the government hopes to pass a law in 2010 that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants.

Spain's 2006 anti-smoking law prohibits smoking in the workplace but permits it in bars of less than 100 square meters (1,100 square feet) and in restaurants with larger floor spaces but which have specially adapted areas.

The health minister Trinidad Jimenez said Tuesday that studies in other countries have showed that such bans had no negative effects on the economy or the hostelry sector.

The Spanish Hostelry Federation claimed Tuesday the proposed legislation, coupled with the economic crisis, could lead to annual losses of up to C11 billion ($16 billion).