Smoking falls following workplace ban in Spain

A BAN on smoking in the workplace has led to a five per cent drop in the number of workers who light up in Spain, according to a study.

Researchers analysed the tobacco consumption of 413,473 workers of all ages and occupations between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2011.

The study – by Madrid-based Ibermutuamur Prevention Society – found the number of smokers dropped from 40 to 35 per cent, while tobacco consumption in those who continued to smoke also fell.

“The results suggest that the enforcement of the law has accompanied a progressive reduction in the percentage of smokers and the consumption among the working population,” said Ibermutuamar researcher, Carlos Catalina-Romero.

The findings come at a time when Spain is attempting to relax the ban on smoking in casinos and amusement arcades in an effort to support the struggling gambling industry.

The government is pressuring the health department to reform the law as it looks to boost tax revenue to help Spain’s economy.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced in November his intention to review the smoking legislation, with the ban considered the main reason for the drop in gaming income.