The possibility that smoking and vaping will be prohibited on all bar and restaurant terraces in Cordoba, as contemplated by the draft law updating the anti-smoking regulations since 2005, has generated concern in the hospitality sector. Until now, tobacco was banned indoors, but permitted on outdoor seating areas. The reform, which still needs final approval in the General Courts, would extend the prohibition to areas like Corredera, Tendillas, Ribera, or Judería, also affecting e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.
The proposal has sparked debate among smokers. Some, like Gonzalo Ruiz and Miguel Jiménez, appeal to common sense and education, arguing that outdoors, smoke should not be a problem if it does not directly bother anyone. They consider the measure a restriction of freedoms and question the sale of tobacco while reducing consumption spaces. Both, however, support the prohibition of smoking for minors.
From the Cordoba Association of Hospitality and Tourism (Hostecor), its vice president, Miguel Ángel Morales, considers it premature to quantify the economic impact, although he anticipates it could be negative given the smoking clientele. His main concern is that the effective control of the prohibition will fall on businesses. "The control cannot fall on us, as we were already police officers during COVID," he stated, recalling the experience of having to monitor restrictions among customers. Hostecor assures they will comply with the norm but rejects their employees having to confront users, asking that sanctions fall on the offender and not the establishment.
The concern extends to waiters. A worker from bar La Flaca is in favor of the prohibition for work reasons but fears confrontations with customers who break the rule or stop frequenting establishments. A waiter from bar La Bandera is skeptical about the measure's effectiveness in eradicating the habit, predicting that consumption will shift to other places and create arguments.
