PARIS, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Spain kicked off the new year with a tough new antismoking law aimed to cut the widespread habit by 5 percent in two years.
Starting this week, large restaurants and other establishments must mark off a smoking area no larger than 30 percent of their total space.
Smaller ones must post a sign on their door notifying customers that they are either smoking or nonsmoking establishments.
A raft of public areas -- from train and bus stations to movie theaters -- must also confine smokers to special areas.
The numbers of stores selling cigarettes and other tobacco products will also be cut by 40 percent, under the new legislation.
The law is aimed particularly at young smokers under 18.
It follows similar measures enacted in Ireland, France and elsewhere in Europe.
