Smoking ban in Spain

The Health Minister has confirmed that Spain is to introduce an extended smoking ban next year, when, from and as yet to be confirmed date, ‘No Smoking’ signs will be seen in all closed public places. The legislation which has been in place since 2006 currently permits the smaller bars and restaurants to choose whether to allow smoking on the premises or not; if they do allow it, they must provide a separate closed-off area for smokers.

That option will no longer exist once the changes are brought in, but Minister Trinidad Jiménez has confirmed however that the stricter measures will not extend to open air premises, such as restaurant terraces and bull rings, where smoking will still be permitted.

Europa Press reports that the Minister said in a radio interview with Rac1 on Monday that the government’s decision is fundamentally based on protecting health, and said she believes that Spain is ‘culturally prepared’ for stricter measures to be adopted. There was no indication from the Minister on exactly when during 2010 the extended ban will be implemented, although she did comment that negotiations are in their final phase, with a large amount of support for the move amongst politicians.

The planned changes have however been criticised by the hostelry sector, where it’s feared that profits will see a sharp drop and many businesses may be forced to close.

The English Bookshop

Since the close of 'The Book Cupboard' at the end of October in Lloret de Mar, the owner Kevin has been searching for new premises. There is now good news as he has found a suitable place which he is hoping to renovate and open in March and will be named Busco Books.


At the moment you can still buy your books online or at the monthly market in Lloret at Placa Pere Torrent (the carousel square)
The new website BuscoBooks.com will keep you upto date on progress and gives the exact location of the new shop. These premises are more spacious with 3 floors so there will be many more books to choose from.
If anyone out there has any books which you no longer need I'm sure Kevin would appreciate it if you would drop them into the shop either to sell or part exchange...or if you really want them out of the way just give them to him as he will have a lot more shelf space to fill!

The Sky at Night!

The hot summer is now over and Christmas is almost here but the weather is still very good with hardly any rain so far. As the clouds start to roll in during the cooler winter evenings these are the beautiful views we can see almost every night from our balcony. These are completely untouched photos, with no colour enhancing at all, every night is different!

Lloret de Mar Events

An exhibition of classic cars is taking place in Lloret tomorrow. This is not the usual show of cars we see with the monthly market as more cars are entered.
Participants will be showing their cars in the town square, visiting the Pinya Rose gardens in Blanes and also having lunch at the El Trull restaurant, where the prizes for the best will be awarded.
The meeting is due to start in town at 10am, if you don't catch them in Lloret you may see them out and about on the roads.
Rain is forecast for tomorrow, but lets hope its not too bad!

Lloret de Mar Events

This week-end has been medieval time again in Lloret de Mar. The main shopping streets are filled with all kinds of stalls. The floor is scattered with straw to give the town a medieval look, and thousands of people are trying to fight their way around!
The old bike in the photo above drew lots of attention.

This event always takes place over 2 days at this time of year, and is very popular with the tourist's and locals. Many people arrive by the excursion coaches from other places along the coast.