FACE MASKS AND SMOKING

Rules are just the same smoking is allowed outside if social distance can be maintained. Although shortly it looks like the use of masks outside will be relaxed.

Hi Jeanie,

Currently, the mask rule still stands - it must be worn in all settings, but can be removed for drinking and eating in bars and restaurants.  I expect compliance varies because foreign visitors may not be aware that Spain's regulations are more strict than their home country, but enforcement almost certainly varies too, because there aren't enough police officers to cover all settings.  

Last week, one of my neighbours, who was smoking in the street outside the garage where his car was being serviced, was approached by 2 Guardia Civil officers, told to extinguish his cigarette and put his mask back on.  Still, it could have been worse - they could have given him a €600 fine!

Kind regards,

Kim

I doubt a fine would be applied. Providing the smoker was complying with social distances ( regs.) in the open air & away from a terrace, a mascarilla revoval is permitted whilst smoking. V

The police seem to be more pragmatic now: when the mask restrictions were first increased to "all settings", two villagers in my friend's home location of Bigastro were each fined €600 for walking in the street without masks and they weren't smoking.  However, when the police challenged them, they didn't have masks in their possession, which is probably why they incurred the fines.  I think people need to be aware of the regulations - armed with the facts, rather than just personal opinions, they need to be responsible for their own behaviour.