Smokers in Ibiza now have less than two months to enjoy their addiction in the island's bars and restaurants. On January 2nd the Government's new anti-tobacco laws come into force which prohibit smoking in any enclosed public space.
Previously the law was so complicated and confusing – some bars allowed smoking, some didn't, and some had special areas set aside – that few people knew what was happening.
Now the law, designed to discourage smoking in a country where 50,000 people (including passive smokers) die each year from smoking related causes, will eradicate any doubts.
Bar and restaurant owners are annoyed because they reckon that, even though only 30% of the population smokes, they could lose 15 to 20% of their custom because of the ban.
So why is the law coming into force on the 2nd of January? So we can all have one last big puff on New Year's Eve and then presumably make our New Year's resolution – coughing and spluttering - to kick the habit the next day.
