Non smoking pubs on the Camino Frances

[amtrakker]

Realised how much I´ve got used to non smoking pubs - bars when celebrating St Patricks Day in Logrono. Could only stay 10 mins before having to leave from the amount of fumes - smoke. Anyone recommend - advise on any bars or pubs that have a non smoking policy along the Camino Frances route?

Thanks in advance for any replies

amtrakker

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - alas non smoking bars or even non smoking areas in bars and restaurants are few and far between in Spain. I try to use outdoor seating areas if the weather is ok...but even there there is sometimes no escape.

John

 

[oursonpolaire]

I too am very sensitive to smoke and found that there has been a considerable improvement in Spain between 2002 and 2009. Smoking in restaurants has declined, much to everyone's surprise.
I am even under the impression that many places are officially smoke-free, although others will have better information. The only place in 2009 where I found the smoke problematic was in Madrid.

That having been said, bars and smaller places will rarely entirely smokefree but, as sitting on a terrace or in the plaza is one of the great pleasures of travelling in Spain, that option will never be unattractive (except in the rain).

 

[Deirdre]

Smoking is still extremely popular in Spain. Particularly among young people. For those of us who have seen considerable decline in smokers and an influx of "smoke free" areas (bars, restaurants, etc) it can be disconcerting, but it is part of the culture in which we are guests. I concur with the posts above - outdoor seating is the best. But, it is entirely possible that if you make friends with any Europeans on the Camino they will more likely be smokers than not. At least that has been my experience. The solution, I think is that we all try to be as sensible, sensitive and tolerant as possible.

Buen Camino,

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Apparently the law will change in Spain in June, and smoking is then supposed to be prohibited in bars etc. http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_25294.shtml
Margaret