Spain : difficulty implementing the anti-tobacco law in the cafés-restaurants

Although the law which forbids smoking altogether at the workplace, which went into effect on 1st January 2006, has been well accepted in the businesses, the restaurant and café proprietors in Spain have put up resistance. (Ref. 06581)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

In the conflict with the central administration, the proprietors seek the support of the regional authorities whose aim is to monitor the implementation of the norm, in particular regarding the inspection of the premises, and may restrict the implementation of the general norm and the constraints. The 17 regions in Spain are about to receive 17 versions of the same document.

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Mexico: Senate examines legislation on the right to disconnect
The news. In Mexico, the Senate is examining legislation enshrining the right to disconnect. The text, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 3 March 2026 and subsequently passed unanimously by...
12 November 2026
Switzerland: Could the referendum on funding a 13th monthly pension payment mark the start of a major pension reform?
On 29 November, Swiss citizens will vote in a referendum on how to finance the 13th monthly payment for pensioners (13th OASI pension), a benefit approved in 2024 that will be paid out from...
12 November 2026
France: 1.6% minimum wage increase from December
The French government announced on 9 November a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage from 1 December 2026. Caught between trade union demands and employers' warnings over labour costs, it is putting...
10 November 2026
France: Kering introduces a “second half of career” HR review for employees aged 50 
The news. Luxury group Kering and the CFDT and CFE-CGC trade unions signed a pioneering agreement on 30 June specifically dedicated to the employment of experienced staff in France, in accordance...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
British bank Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs to invest in AI
Banking group Barclays has announced the cutting of 5% of its global workforce by the end of the year. Beyond disappointing quarterly results, Barclays primarily intends to free up the funds...
2
Germany: non-EU recruitment remains marginal despite skilled immigration reform
The news. Nearly a year and a half after the entry into force of the “Skilled Immigration Development Act”, only 4% of businesses have recruited at least one employee directly from a...
3
EU: several social texts promised for 2027
The news. On 4 November, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2027. While the focus is once again on simplification, several social texts have been announced. The European...
4
EU: Commission presents strategy for vocational training
The news. On 5 November, the European Commission published its 2026-2030 strategy for vocational education and training. The text comes six years after a dedicated Council recommendation, but...