Spanish authorities are planning to introduce new ultra-strict anti-smoking laws by June which will see ‘outright prohibition – including inside all bars, restaurants and cafés’ the Independent reported last week. The paper suggested the new laws will hit Spain’s tourist industry in particular, and will have a greater impact than similar bans did in other European countries. Ibiza-Voice.com chief Samuel Guetta told Skrufff, however, that the issue is less clear cut. “The Spanish are big smokers and the impact of the ban will be much greater here for sure, but you shouldn’t tell Spaniards what to do,” he told Skrufff. “(Fascist dictator) Franco’s time isn’t so long ago,” he noted.

The Independent suggested the new ban is part of a ‘radical clampdown’ by authorities on minor laws in Spain, though Samuel, who as well as running the influential club portal, manages superstar DJ Luciano, said Ibiza at least is loosening up again. “In my opinion the spirit of freedom is back in Ibiza again,” said Samuel. “Amnesia closed at midday more than a few times last season, more than a few free parties happened and we personally hosted some amazing beach parties at Ushuaia with the like of Luciano and his Cadenza crew, Richie Hawtin, Sven Vath, Marco Carola and Reboot playing,” he said.

“I think the authorities here get the point: that the best Ibiza has to offer is this free spirit, colourful people and parties, and not forgetting the island’s magical environment. We’ve finished a decade and are starting a new one and we’re in a period of transition,” he continued. “People are looking for more of a party spirit and more brightness instead of dark, I think we’re gonna’ hear more house and vocal music on the dance floors this year.”