The Gremi de Restauradores de Barcelona is completely opposed to the idea of the Health Minister, Manel Balcells, to regulate the use of tobacco on terraces and other spaces with the aim of protecting passive smokers. The entity maintains that there is no problem of coexistence outside bars and restaurants and there is no need to modify the regulations. However, the central government has also revived the idea of applying an anti-smoking plan in this legislature that involves the prohibition of smoking in outdoor areas such as terraces and sports venues.
The Gremi accuses Balcells of lying when, in an interview with La Vanguardia, he assured that conversations are being held “with the City Council, with the Department of Business and Work, with the Gremi de Restauradors, with Public Health.” Sources from the entity affirm that the matter was discussed in a meeting with Health representatives a few months ago, and Carmen Cabezas, Secretary of Public Health, attended on behalf of the department. They add that they are waiting for a response to a request for a meeting with the counselor.
Restaurateurs reject an intermediate solution, such as forcing smokers to move a few meters from the tables that was applied during the pandemic, and consider that the Government's plans are "a smokescreen." “Is this really the big public health problem in the country?” they ask. "I don't know how many years they have been saying it and doing nothing, but the powers regarding anti-smoking are not autonomous and this probably explains why they have not done it."
Balcells explained to this newspaper that he would have liked to regulate tobacco in places such as terraces or vehicle interiors this year, but that he maintains the goal for 2024. “Terraces are a space in which we do not sufficiently protect passive smokers,” he said. . Salut specifies that the fact that the minister does not participate in person in conversations with the concerned entities does not imply that the Government is not doing so. The previous councilor, Josep Maria Argimon, announced more than a year ago a regulation to expand the number of smoke-free spaces to areas such as terraces, bus shelters or exteriors of educational centers, but no one has yet set the bell on the cat.
A similar situation occurs at the state level. Minister Carolina Darias announced a plan for tobacco restrictions that has not yet been implemented, although the new head of Health, Mónica García, has confirmed that in this legislature the project, the extension of smoke-free spaces, and the reform of several laws in an attempt to reduce tobacco consumption, especially among minors.
Precisely thinking about the new generations, Health will regulate the use of vapers, whose use multiplies by four the chances of being a tobacco smoker, according to the National Committee for the Prevention of Smoking (CNPT). Furthermore, 8 out of 10 minors who smoke started this type of consumption, a trend that is growing more among girls. Health is working on the transposition of the European directive that prohibits any technical characteristic that allows modifying the smell or taste of tobacco products or intensifying the smoke.
The Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking, which contemplates the reform of the 2005 law, will entail the expansion of smoke-free spaces. Establishes the prohibition of smoking on terraces, as well as in open sports spaces (such as football or athletics fields) and in outdoor places where the attendance of minors is expected. Also on the beaches. Health technicians had proposed a ban on smoking in vehicles when minors or pregnant women travel in them, although on this point the political leaders have not said anything again.
