Last Puff

1 Jan 2011 - Spaniards better light up today, because when they wake up tomorrow they will find what many consider an inalienable right - puffing on a cigarette with a drink at their local bar - has overnight become illegal. On 2nd January 2011, one of the laxest laws in Europe will have become one of the strictest, along with that of Ireland. Spanish smokers will no longer be able to light up in bars, restaurants and cafes as a new legislation takes into effect that bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces (so including public toilets). It will also be illegal to smoke in children's playgrounds and on school or hospital grounds, according to the new law, which received final approval from Parliament on 21 December 2010. I bet many Spaniards did not have to think long for their new year's resolutions: stop puffing.