FOR many smokers New Year’s Eve will be their last chance for a smoke-filled night out. There are just hours to go before tough new regulations come into effect on Sunday banning smoking in all Mallorca bars, clubs and restaurants. Many in the hospitality sector are concerned over the implications of the stricter smoking laws.

“We are not the police and cannot take responsibility for the acts of others,” declared the president of the Association of Bars and Discos, Pedro Vidal.

“The fines for smoking violations should keep the same logic as that of not wearing a seat belt while driving; the fine goes to the offender, not the owner of the vehicle,” believes Vidal.

Local Police will be in charge of enforcing the new smoking law, although in the case of discos, Guardia Civil can also intervene.

“It is important that the Consell ensures that public streets remain clean, as this new law could create extra dirt and noise as people take to the streets to smoke,” warned Vidal.

The Associations of Restaurateurs and Nightclub owners have agreed that they will monitor the leisure areas and meet in February to review how the law has been implemented.

The Consell has confirmed their commitment to apply the law with “firmness and seriousness,” although they allow for a “period of adaptation.”

FOR WHOM THE BRIDGE TOLLS

THE Consell de Mallorca announced this week that from January 1 the brand new bridge which stretches from the Valldemossa road to Son Espases hospital will be subject to a toll charge. It is intended that this charge will go some way to paying for the construction of the bridge which cost a reported €5.4 million.

The toll fee will be 30c per trip. It seems that each of the political parties represented in the Consell is aware of the move and have given their consent.

The toll will be collected using cameras which will read the number plates of cars s they travel on the bridge, and then will have a bill sent to the address of the owner of the vehicle.

It is currently under discussion as to how the tolls should be implemented for residents of Valldemossa and Esporles, teachers and students from the local university and rental cars and tourist coaches.