Bar owners seek permission to use public areas for smokers

ELCHE bar and restaurant owners have asked that they be allowed to use public spaces as terraces to place furniture for smokers to use, following the new anti-smoking laws. “Following the meeting held last week with representatives of local associations of leisure and hospitality and the working committee, various proposals were discussed,” said Development Councillor Emilio Domenech.

This included the type of furniture to be allowed in public areas, “in order to maintain uniformity in certain areas.”

The size of sidewalks would determine whether establishments could use them as terraces and the possibility of using parking spaces was discussed.

Municipal technicians are now studying these proposals this week, “to determine which aspects are feasible in accordance with building regulations, technical issues and road safety.”

Another meeting has been schedules for Monday and Wednesday of next week to discuss the findings and reach agreements before taking it to the plenary for approval.

It has been estimated that 40 per cent of business has been lost due to the new anti-smoking laws, according to the Business Association of Torrevieja and District Hospitality.

“The only way to please smoking customers would be the terraces, which is an added cost, especially with the necessity of heating equipment,” declared Antonio Montero, president of the association.