Outdoor smoking ban escalates war over Barcelona`s restaurant terraces
(The Guardian Spain)

Restaurateurs say ban on top of new regulations on outdoor space threatens their survival - while residents claim the city´s real issues are being ignoredEnjoying a refreshing drink or a cup of coffee on the sunlit terrace of a bar or restaurant is a cherished pastime in Barcelona - and a fundamental feature of Mediterranean life.`Terraces are part of who we are and how we live,` says Roger Pallarols, president of the Barcelona restaurateurs association. `For many people, the terrace is like their living room, especially as most of us don´t live in large apartments. If France is Europe´s kitchen, Spain is its terrace.`They haven´t listened to residents at all and they´ve allowed the restaurant industry to regulate aspects of public spaceIf you take away the terraces that deprives us of the income we need to make in summer to keep paying staff over the winter Related: `Tourists go home, refugees welcome`: why Barcelona chose migrants over visitors Continue reading...