The smoking ban introduced in Spain four years ago has failed to achieve the desired result.

Figures of the Spanish National Statistics Institute INE show that the number of smokers has actually increased. Of the Spanish population, 31.5 percent now smoke sometimes or regularly, a 6.7 percent increase compared with January 2006, when the ban was introduced.

Currently, smoking is still allowed in small bars and restaurants with specially adapted spaces. Next year the Spanish government plans to extend the smoking ban to all bars and restaurants.

Photo: flickr.com/thosewords