The Gibraltar Parliament yesterday unanimously approved a law banning smoking in enclosed public places as from October 1.

The legislation brings Gibraltar in line with many other countries in Europe and was wholeheartedly backed by both sides of the Parliament.

 

“There was a general feeling that we should catch up with the rest of the world…” said Health and Environment Minister John Cortes.

That view was echoed by Opposition MP Selwyn Figueras.

“This is a very good step for our community,” Mr Figueras said.

“As an ex-smoker myself, it is a measure that I felt was long overdue.”

The legislation bans smoking in enclosed and substantially enclosed places used by the public, and in the workplace.

In presenting the legislation, Dr Cortes acknowledged the work of local campaigner Bryan Zammit in raising the profile of this issue.

Parliament also unanimously approved legislation offering some rate reductions for bar and restaurants that may lose trade as a result of the smoking ban.