Hospitality sector on the warpath against the smoking ban

OWNERS of bars, cafes and restaurants are on the warpath against the smoking ban. They met on Monday to consider three proposals: a lockout for a determined period of time; switch off the cigarette vending machines on the premises for a period of time; or hold protest rallies on the islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

The meeting was organized by the Mallorca Restoration Association (CAEB) and PIMEM Restoration.

The presidents of these associations, Pilar Carbonell and Juan Cabrera, respectively, have decided to visit political leaders to make them aware of the harmful effects the new law is having on businesses and to get the legislation amended as soon as possible.

It has been estimated that the loss of income since the ban came into force on January 2 is between 25 and 30 per cent for bars and cafes and 15 per cent for restaurants, according to Juan Cabrera.

“We were already at our limit due to the economic crisis and the smoking ban has been the last straw for many establishments,” said Pilar Carbonell.

The loss of income of switching of the cigarette machines in bars, cafes and restaurants would only amount to a little more than €1,000 a year, according to Carbonell.

“There are bars and restaurants constantly closing; just last week three closed on Paseo Mallorca and this week another in the same area.”

The smoking ban also seems to be creating “noise pollution” caused by the “excessive number of people who are forced out onto the streets to smoke”, joked PIMEM Restoration president.

 

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