Zamna Raises Alarm Over Proposed Tobacco Legislation Impacting Festivals in the Canaries

The proposed reform of the Anti-Tobacco Law in Spain has sparked significant concern from Zamna, a prominent organization in the festival and nightlife sector. This legislation, which aims to impose strict restrictions on smoking and vaping in outdoor areas, has been met with fierce opposition from various stakeholders who fear it could have far-reaching implications for cultural events and the economy.

Strong Opposition to Smoking Restrictions

Zamna has publicly expressed its strong discontent regarding the draft legislation that seeks to prohibit smoking and vaping in outdoor areas. The organization argues that this measure is disproportionate and threatens social harmony, cultural practices, and the tourism-driven economy of the Canary Islands and Spain as a whole. They emphasize the importance of public health but insist that such restrictions should not be imposed in environments where smoking does not pose a significant risk. Zamna believes that the proposed ban fails to consider the unique context of festivals and outdoor events, where the atmosphere is often one of celebration and communal enjoyment.

Potential Economic Consequences for Festivals

According to Zamna, the ban could lead to considerable economic repercussions, particularly for events held outdoors. They highlight that their festivals, which drew nearly 100,000 attendees in 2023 across major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Tenerife, play a crucial role in attracting tourists. The organization warns that enforcing such a ban could result in logistical chaos, as large crowds of smokers would be forced to exit venues simultaneously, creating congestion at entry and exit points. This could not only disrupt the flow of events but also deter potential attendees who may choose to avoid crowded and chaotic environments.

Challenges in Enforcement of the Proposed Ban

The company further asserts that managing the proposed smoking prohibition would be unfeasible. They argue that neither security personnel nor the festival’s organizational framework is equipped to handle the complexities of enforcing such a rule among tens of thousands of attendees. Zamna stresses that it is unreasonable to place the burden of this regulation on event promoters, especially when it does not effectively address the broader smoking issue in Spain. The organization believes that the government should focus on more effective public health strategies rather than imposing blanket bans that are difficult to enforce.

Impact on Employment and Cultural Identity

Zamna warns that if the legislation is enacted, it could have a devastating effect on the cultural and tourism sectors, jeopardizing thousands of jobs that are directly and indirectly linked to these industries. They assert that the festival culture is a vital component of Spain’s economy and international image, and a poorly conceived regulation could undermine a successful model that promotes cultural engagement. The organization highlights that many individuals rely on these events for their livelihoods, from artists and performers to vendors and support staff, and that the ripple effects of such legislation could be felt throughout the community.

Advocating for Thoughtful Regulation

The organization calls on the government to reconsider the proposed measures and pursue a more balanced approach that safeguards public health while also ensuring the economic viability of festivals. Zamna advocates for regulations that respect personal freedoms and support the sustainability of a key industry in the Canary Islands and beyond. They suggest that a collaborative dialogue between lawmakers, health officials, and industry representatives could lead to more effective solutions that address health concerns without stifling cultural expression and economic growth.

Key points

• Zamna opposes the proposed ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces.
• The organization claims the ban is disproportionate and threatens cultural and economic stability.
• In 2023, Zamna’s festivals attracted nearly 100,000 attendees across major Spanish cities.
• The company warns of potential logistical chaos at events due to the smoking ban.
• Enforcement of the ban is deemed unmanageable by Zamna.
• The proposed legislation could negatively impact thousands of jobs in the cultural sector.
• Zamna calls for a balanced regulation that protects health without harming the festival industry.