Europe's 'no smoking' zones

Europe's 'no smoking' zones
On 1 January, Spain became the latest European country to ban smokers
from public places. Here we look at the current state of legislation in
all 25 members of the EU
Published: 05 January 2006
Irish Republic

Centuries of tradition were overturned in March 2004 when smoking in
bars and all other workplaces was banned. The measure was pushed
through by a crusading health minister in the teeth of opposition from
the politically powerful hospitality industry.

Although controversial to begin with, smoke-free pubs and other
workplaces quickly came to be regarded as the norm and the Irish
Republic has been visited by delegations from a number of other
countries contemplating anti-smoking moves.

Northern Ireland

A smoking ban encompassing all enclosed public places - including pubs,
restaurants and hotels - is due to come into effect in April 2007.
Smoking is already banned in government offices and other institutions.
Making the announcement last October, Northern Ireland Office minister
Shaun Woodward said: "No one has a right to subject colleagues and
workmates to the dangers and hazards of second-hand smoke and passive
smoking." He, of course, represents an English constituency - where the
proposed ban is much less complete.

Although the Northern Ireland policy could be changed if a new
powersharing government is formed in Belfast, the expectation is that
it would go ahead as planned. No major political party has voiced
opposition.

England

Of the four countries of the UK, England is the only one going for a
partial ban, due to be introduced in April 2007. This will permit
smoking in pubs that don't serve food. It has provoked widespread
protests that it will be unworkable. The Government has promised a set
of guidelines - but they are unlikely to be simple.

Scotland

A complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland comes
into effect at 6am on Sunday 26 March following a unanimous decision by
the Scottish Executive last November. It will be an offence - with a
minimum penalty of £50 - to light up, or allow others to do so, in "
no-smoking premises", defned as enclosed locations which are used by
the public.

Sweden

All restaurants, bars and cafes are now smoke-free. Ventilated smoking
rooms where food and drink is not served can be set up.

Denmark

Under current legislation, smoking is only banned in schools and
government buildings open to the public. Transport and council services
must have individual smoke-free policies.

Germany

Buses, underground trains, cinemas and theatres have been no-go areas
for smokers in Germany for more than 30 years. However a powerful
tobacco industry and the fact that the Nazis offcially frowned on
smoking, have led post-war German legislators to avoid the imposition
of more Draconian measures. Mainline trains still have smoking
carriages, for example.

Last year the government reached a voluntary agreement with restaurant
and pub owners for the creation of limited no-smoking areas in 30 per
cent of all licensed premises.

The partial smoking ban is scheduled to be extended to 90 per cent of
all pubs and restaurants by 2008 when owners are requested to ensure
that 50 per cent of their premises are reserved for non smokers.

Finland

Smoking is completely banned in healthcare, educational and government
facilities, indoor workplaces and offices, theatres, cinemas and public
transports although separate areas for smoking may be provided.

Discussions are underway regarding a complete smoking ban and new
amendments to curb smoking in restaurants and prevent employees being
exposed to ambient tobacco smoke should come into effect in summer
2006.

Estonia

The Tobacco Act of 2001, amended in 2004, imposes a complete ban on
smoking in healthcare, education and government facilities, indoor
offices and workplaces, as well as theatres and cinemas although in all
these areas special smoking areas are permitted.

Latvia

From July the current smoking ban, which includes public buildings and
workplaces, will be extended to cafes, bars and restaurants. Designated
smoking areas will be provided. Smokers who step outside for a
cigarette will be subject to a ban on lighting up within 10 metres of a
public building.

Lithuania

Designated rooms are provided in all workplaces, as well as in all
health, educational and government facilities. A complete ban on
smoking on public transport is enforced, but long-distance trains and
planes have smoking areas.

Poland

Smoking ban in force in workplaces and public buildings. No plans to
extend this at present.

Hungary

Employers must provide adequate protection for non-smokers. Designated
smoking areas may be provided. A 1997 Child Protection Act also states
that children have the right to be protected from environmental hazards
and substances harmful to health.

Belgium

2006 ushered in a complete smoking ban in all workplaces. From January
2007, a ban on smoking in restaurants will be enforced.

Luxembourg

No current legislation, but there are moves to introduce a complete ban
on smoking in the workplace.

The Netherlands

A 2004 bill cut down on smoking in public places and the government
aims to reduce tobacco consumption by 80 per cent by 2008. This year
smoking rooms will be set up in eating establishments, with the aim of
phasing out smoking in public.

Slovenia

Smoking in hospitals and schools is prohibited.

Slovakia

A 1997 law requires employers to impose bans on smoking in workplaces
frequented by non-smokers.

Czech Republic

Smoking is banned on public transport and in workplaces where
non-smokers could be exposed to tobacco smoke. It is also forbidden to
smoke in restaurants during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spain

Three days after Spain introduced a law banning smoking at work and in
closed public spaces, there is a growing movement to assert what many
consider their inalienable right to smoke. Meanwhile, since 1 January,
25,000 people a day have sought medical advice on how to stop.

Petrol stations, news stands and shops that function as bars are trying
to circumvent the law that bans them from selling cigarettes, and which
has cut their income by up to 20 per cent.

Spain's 12,000 outdoor news vendors feel particularly aggrieved:
smoking is permitted in the open air, but sales of cigarettes are
confned to specialist tobacco shops (where you cannot smoke).

Offces and factories are now smoke-free. Offenders pay fnes of up to
€600 (£414) and employers warn that time lost to unauthorised
"smoking pauses" will amount to 14 days a year per smoker. You can
smoke in the open air and in bars and restaurants smaller than 100
square metres. Numerous small bars in Spain have opted to become
smokers' refuges, generating a worse fug than before.

Larger bars and restaurants may demarcate a smoking section of up to 30
per cent of the space, and have eight months to complete the structural
alterations. This poses problems for large wedding parties, where the
father of the bride traditionally hands out cigars to his guests. (They
can only smoke in the smoking areas, where children are prohibited.)

A massively oversubscribed government helpline reveals grey areas that
caused even offcials to scratch their heads. Can a lorry driver smoke
in his enclosed cab? (Yes, it's not a "work centre".) What about
massage parlours? Yes, if rooms are designated "smoking". Unexpected
opposition has emerged from women at the hairdressers, long accustomed
to smoking under the drier. Now they must step into the streets, even
in their rollers.

Portugal

Total ban on smoking in public buildings, as well as on public
transport when journeys last less than an hour. Partial restrictions on
smoking on aircraft are enforced.

France

The law on smoking in public places in France, dating from 1991, is
vaguely worded and unevenly applied. The anti-smoking lobby is pressing
for much tougher rules, comparable to those in Ireland and, now, Spain.

Under Article 16 of the Loi Evin of January 1991 - which mostly deals
with restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising - smoking is
banned on all public transport and in "places used collectively",
except in " areas reserved for smokers".

The French railways, the SNCF, have gone further than the law and
abolished smoking carriages. However, many bars and restaurants
interpret the law loosely and declare their whole establishment to be
an "area reserved for smokers".

Austria

Austrian law, updated in 2003, prohibits smoking in public buildings
and transport, but not workplaces.

Greece

Public smoking is banned in many places but special smoking areas are
allowed. Cafes, bars and restaurants must allocate space for
non-smokers.

Malta

Total ban in place since 2005. Bars, restaurants and cafes that wish to
allow smoking must provide enclosed areas. The government has the power
to impose fines of up to €250 for contravention.

Italy

An offcial ban on smoking in all enclosed public places including bars,
restaurants and offces came into effect in Italy on 10 January, 2005.
Since then the ban has led to an 8 per cent drop in cigarette
consumption.

There was some initial resistance from smokers and bar owners. But
businesses face a fne of up to €2,000 (£1,395) if they fail to
ensure their customers do not smoke. Smokers themselves can receive a
€275 (£191) fne.

The law allows smoking only in sealed-off rooms with smoke extractors,
but only a few places have bothered to comply.

Generally the law has been accepted.

Smoking is still tolerated at cabinet meetings in the prime minister's
offce, where Defence Minister Antonio Martino, a smoker since the age
of 18, describes the habit as"a sacred right".

Cyprus

Smoking is currently banned in all public places including
entertainment venues, government buildings and on public transport. It
is also banned in private cars carrying passengers under 16, but
remains regulated in workplaces.

Irish Republic

Centuries of tradition were overturned in March 2004 when smoking in
bars and all other workplaces was banned. The measure was pushed
through by a crusading health minister in the teeth of opposition from
the politically powerful hospitality industry.

Although controversial to begin with, smoke-free pubs and other
workplaces quickly came to be regarded as the norm and the Irish
Republic has been visited by delegations from a number of other
countries contemplating anti-smoking moves.

Northern Ireland

A smoking ban encompassing all enclosed public places - including pubs,
restaurants and hotels - is due to come into effect in April 2007.
Smoking is already banned in government offices and other institutions.
Making the announcement last October, Northern Ireland Office minister
Shaun Woodward said: "No one has a right to subject colleagues and
workmates to the dangers and hazards of second-hand smoke and passive
smoking." He, of course, represents an English constituency - where the
proposed ban is much less complete.

Although the Northern Ireland policy could be changed if a new
powersharing government is formed in Belfast, the expectation is that
it would go ahead as planned. No major political party has voiced
opposition.

England

Of the four countries of the UK, England is the only one going for a
partial ban, due to be introduced in April 2007. This will permit
smoking in pubs that don't serve food. It has provoked widespread
protests that it will be unworkable. The Government has promised a set
of guidelines - but they are unlikely to be simple.

Scotland

A complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland comes
into effect at 6am on Sunday 26 March following a unanimous decision by
the Scottish Executive last November. It will be an offence - with a
minimum penalty of £50 - to light up, or allow others to do so, in "
no-smoking premises", defned as enclosed locations which are used by
the public.

Sweden

All restaurants, bars and cafes are now smoke-free. Ventilated smoking
rooms where food and drink is not served can be set up.

Denmark

Under current legislation, smoking is only banned in schools and
government buildings open to the public. Transport and council services
must have individual smoke-free policies.

Germany

Buses, underground trains, cinemas and theatres have been no-go areas
for smokers in Germany for more than 30 years. However a powerful
tobacco industry and the fact that the Nazis offcially frowned on
smoking, have led post-war German legislators to avoid the imposition
of more Draconian measures. Mainline trains still have smoking
carriages, for example.

Last year the government reached a voluntary agreement with restaurant
and pub owners for the creation of limited no-smoking areas in 30 per
cent of all licensed premises.

The partial smoking ban is scheduled to be extended to 90 per cent of
all pubs and restaurants by 2008 when owners are requested to ensure
that 50 per cent of their premises are reserved for non smokers.

Finland

Smoking is completely banned in healthcare, educational and government
facilities, indoor workplaces and offices, theatres, cinemas and public
transports although separate areas for smoking may be provided.

Discussions are underway regarding a complete smoking ban and new
amendments to curb smoking in restaurants and prevent employees being
exposed to ambient tobacco smoke should come into effect in summer
2006.

Estonia

The Tobacco Act of 2001, amended in 2004, imposes a complete ban on
smoking in healthcare, education and government facilities, indoor
offices and workplaces, as well as theatres and cinemas although in all
these areas special smoking areas are permitted.

Latvia

From July the current smoking ban, which includes public buildings and
workplaces, will be extended to cafes, bars and restaurants. Designated
smoking areas will be provided. Smokers who step outside for a
cigarette will be subject to a ban on lighting up within 10 metres of a
public building.

Lithuania

Designated rooms are provided in all workplaces, as well as in all
health, educational and government facilities. A complete ban on
smoking on public transport is enforced, but long-distance trains and
planes have smoking areas.

Poland

Smoking ban in force in workplaces and public buildings. No plans to
extend this at present.

Hungary

Employers must provide adequate protection for non-smokers. Designated
smoking areas may be provided. A 1997 Child Protection Act also states
that children have the right to be protected from environmental hazards
and substances harmful to health.

Belgium

2006 ushered in a complete smoking ban in all workplaces. From January
2007, a ban on smoking in restaurants will be enforced.

Luxembourg

No current legislation, but there are moves to introduce a complete ban
on smoking in the workplace.

The Netherlands

A 2004 bill cut down on smoking in public places and the government
aims to reduce tobacco consumption by 80 per cent by 2008. This year
smoking rooms will be set up in eating establishments, with the aim of
phasing out smoking in public.

Slovenia

Smoking in hospitals and schools is prohibited.

Slovakia

A 1997 law requires employers to impose bans on smoking in workplaces
frequented by non-smokers.

Czech Republic

Smoking is banned on public transport and in workplaces where
non-smokers could be exposed to tobacco smoke. It is also forbidden to
smoke in restaurants during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spain

Three days after Spain introduced a law banning smoking at work and in
closed public spaces, there is a growing movement to assert what many
consider their inalienable right to smoke. Meanwhile, since 1 January,
25,000 people a day have sought medical advice on how to stop.

Petrol stations, news stands and shops that function as bars are trying
to circumvent the law that bans them from selling cigarettes, and which
has cut their income by up to 20 per cent.

Spain's 12,000 outdoor news vendors feel particularly aggrieved:
smoking is permitted in the open air, but sales of cigarettes are
confned to specialist tobacco shops (where you cannot smoke).

Offces and factories are now smoke-free. Offenders pay fnes of up to
€600 (£414) and employers warn that time lost to unauthorised
"smoking pauses" will amount to 14 days a year per smoker. You can
smoke in the open air and in bars and restaurants smaller than 100
square metres. Numerous small bars in Spain have opted to become
smokers' refuges, generating a worse fug than before.

Larger bars and restaurants may demarcate a smoking section of up to 30
per cent of the space, and have eight months to complete the structural
alterations. This poses problems for large wedding parties, where the
father of the bride traditionally hands out cigars to his guests. (They
can only smoke in the smoking areas, where children are prohibited.)

A massively oversubscribed government helpline reveals grey areas that
caused even offcials to scratch their heads. Can a lorry driver smoke
in his enclosed cab? (Yes, it's not a "work centre".) What about
massage parlours? Yes, if rooms are designated "smoking". Unexpected
opposition has emerged from women at the hairdressers, long accustomed
to smoking under the drier. Now they must step into the streets, even
in their rollers.

Portugal

Total ban on smoking in public buildings, as well as on public
transport when journeys last less than an hour. Partial restrictions on
smoking on aircraft are enforced.

France

The law on smoking in public places in France, dating from 1991, is
vaguely worded and unevenly applied. The anti-smoking lobby is pressing
for much tougher rules, comparable to those in Ireland and, now, Spain.

Under Article 16 of the Loi Evin of January 1991 - which mostly deals
with restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising - smoking is
banned on all public transport and in "places used collectively",
except in " areas reserved for smokers".

The French railways, the SNCF, have gone further than the law and
abolished smoking carriages. However, many bars and restaurants
interpret the law loosely and declare their whole establishment to be
an "area reserved for smokers".

Austria

Austrian law, updated in 2003, prohibits smoking in public buildings
and transport, but not workplaces.

Greece

Public smoking is banned in many places but special smoking areas are
allowed. Cafes, bars and restaurants must allocate space for
non-smokers.

Malta

Total ban in place since 2005. Bars, restaurants and cafes that wish to
allow smoking must provide enclosed areas. The government has the power
to impose fines of up to €250 for contravention.

Italy

An offcial ban on smoking in all enclosed public places including bars,
restaurants and offces came into effect in Italy on 10 January, 2005.
Since then the ban has led to an 8 per cent drop in cigarette
consumption.

There was some initial resistance from smokers and bar owners. But
businesses face a fne of up to €2,000 (£1,395) if they fail to
ensure their customers do not smoke. Smokers themselves can receive a
€275 (£191) fne.

The law allows smoking only in sealed-off rooms with smoke extractors,
but only a few places have bothered to comply.

Generally the law has been accepted.

Smoking is still tolerated at cabinet meetings in the prime minister's
offce, where Defence Minister Antonio Martino, a smoker since the age
of 18, describes the habit as"a sacred right".

Cyprus

Smoking is currently banned in all public places including
entertainment venues, government buildings and on public transport. It
is also banned in private cars carrying passengers under 16, but
remains regulated in workplaces.

eat in Belgium wrote:

Europe's 'no smoking' zones

This was already posted today- without quoting the entire text.

--
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
http://homepage.mac.com/davidhornecomposer http://soundjunction.org

David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
prestwich tesco 24h offy wrote:
eat in Belgium wrote:

Europe's 'no smoking' zones

This was already posted today- without quoting the entire text.

Thats ok then, I always quote the entire text

(David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco 24h offy) writes:

eat in Belgium wrote:

Europe's 'no smoking' zones

This was already posted today- without quoting the entire text.

And (which matters far more to me) with attribution. I expect to be
baffled to my dying day by people who don't think it matters where
they found an article.

Des

In article .com,
(eat in Belgium) wrote:

England

Of the four countries of the UK, England is the only one going for a
partial ban, due to be introduced in April 2007. This will permit
smoking in pubs that don't serve food. It has provoked widespread
protests that it will be unworkable. The Government has promised a set
of guidelines - but they are unlikely to be simple.

I thought the final decision on the nature of the ban had not yet been
made? There was a lot of arguing about it in government a month or two
ago.

Also worth noting that smoking is already banned (by managements, not by
law) in nearly all enclosed public spaces /except/ most pubs and
some restaurants.

----------------------------------------------
The poster formerly known as .

Martin wrote:
On 5 Jan 2006 11:52:46 -0800, "eat in Belgium"
wrote:


David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and
prestwich tesco 24h offy wrote:
eat in Belgium wrote:

Europe's 'no smoking' zones

This was already posted today- without quoting the entire text.

Thats ok then, I always quote the entire text

Can I point out again that the part about the Netherlands is obsolete,
then?
--
Martin

only if you correct it

Martin wrote:
On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 14:28:23 -0600, wrote:

In article .com,
(eat in Belgium) wrote:

England

Of the four countries of the UK, England is the only one going for a
partial ban, due to be introduced in April 2007. This will permit
smoking in pubs that don't serve food. It has provoked widespread
protests that it will be unworkable. The Government has promised a set
of guidelines - but they are unlikely to be simple.

I thought the final decision on the nature of the ban had not yet been
made? There was a lot of arguing about it in government a month or two
ago.

Also worth noting that smoking is already banned (by managements, not by
law) in nearly all enclosed public spaces /except/ most pubs and
some restaurants.

I think much of the article is a cut and paste job from old reports.
--
Martin

I think the part about Iraqi WMD being ready in 45 minutes is
erroneous....

Padraig Breathnach wrote:
Des Small wrote:

(David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco 24h offy) writes:

eat in Belgium wrote:

Europe's 'no smoking' zones

This was already posted today- without quoting the entire text.

And (which matters far more to me) with attribution. I expect to be
baffled to my dying day by people who don't think it matters where
they found an article.

I suspect that you are not truly baffled; it seems to me more likely
that you disapprove, and politely mask your disapproval as bafflement.

I made that up unaided, so I don't need a footnote or citation.


maybe I'm stupid, but since he posted the ****ing article must know
where it comes from !

Des Small wrote:

(David Horne, _the_ chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco 24h offy) writes:

eat in Belgium wrote:

Europe's 'no smoking' zones

This was already posted today- without quoting the entire text.

And (which matters far more to me) with attribution. I expect to be
baffled to my dying day by people who don't think it matters where
they found an article.

I suspect that you are not truly baffled; it seems to me more likely
that you disapprove, and politely mask your disapproval as bafflement.

I made that up unaided, so I don't need a footnote or citation.

--
PB
The return address has been MUNGED

OT

"eat in Belgium" a écrit dans le message de news:
...
Europe's 'no smoking' zones
On 1 January, Spain became the latest European country to ban smokers
from public places. Here we look at the current state of legislation in
all 25 members of the EU
Published: 05 January 2006
Irish Republic

Centuries of tradition were overturned in March 2004 when smoking in
bars and all other workplaces was banned. The measure was pushed
through by a crusading health minister in the teeth of opposition from
the politically powerful hospitality industry.

Although controversial to begin with, smoke-free pubs and other
workplaces quickly came to be regarded as the norm and the Irish
Republic has been visited by delegations from a number of other
countries contemplating anti-smoking moves.

Northern Ireland

A smoking ban encompassing all enclosed public places - including pubs,
restaurants and hotels - is due to come into effect in April 2007.
Smoking is already banned in government offices and other institutions.
Making the announcement last October, Northern Ireland Office minister
Shaun Woodward said: "No one has a right to subject colleagues and
workmates to the dangers and hazards of second-hand smoke and passive
smoking." He, of course, represents an English constituency - where the
proposed ban is much less complete.

Although the Northern Ireland policy could be changed if a new
powersharing government is formed in Belfast, the expectation is that
it would go ahead as planned. No major political party has voiced
opposition.

England

Of the four countries of the UK, England is the only one going for a
partial ban, due to be introduced in April 2007. This will permit
smoking in pubs that don't serve food. It has provoked widespread
protests that it will be unworkable. The Government has promised a set
of guidelines - but they are unlikely to be simple.

Scotland

A complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland comes
into effect at 6am on Sunday 26 March following a unanimous decision by
the Scottish Executive last November. It will be an offence - with a
minimum penalty of £50 - to light up, or allow others to do so, in "
no-smoking premises", defned as enclosed locations which are used by
the public.

Sweden

All restaurants, bars and cafes are now smoke-free. Ventilated smoking
rooms where food and drink is not served can be set up.

Denmark

Under current legislation, smoking is only banned in schools and
government buildings open to the public. Transport and council services
must have individual smoke-free policies.

Germany

Buses, underground trains, cinemas and theatres have been no-go areas
for smokers in Germany for more than 30 years. However a powerful
tobacco industry and the fact that the Nazis offcially frowned on
smoking, have led post-war German legislators to avoid the imposition
of more Draconian measures. Mainline trains still have smoking
carriages, for example.

Last year the government reached a voluntary agreement with restaurant
and pub owners for the creation of limited no-smoking areas in 30 per
cent of all licensed premises.

The partial smoking ban is scheduled to be extended to 90 per cent of
all pubs and restaurants by 2008 when owners are requested to ensure
that 50 per cent of their premises are reserved for non smokers.

Finland

Smoking is completely banned in healthcare, educational and government
facilities, indoor workplaces and offices, theatres, cinemas and public
transports although separate areas for smoking may be provided.

Discussions are underway regarding a complete smoking ban and new
amendments to curb smoking in restaurants and prevent employees being
exposed to ambient tobacco smoke should come into effect in summer
2006.

Estonia

The Tobacco Act of 2001, amended in 2004, imposes a complete ban on
smoking in healthcare, education and government facilities, indoor
offices and workplaces, as well as theatres and cinemas although in all
these areas special smoking areas are permitted.

Latvia

From July the current smoking ban, which includes public buildings and
workplaces, will be extended to cafes, bars and restaurants. Designated
smoking areas will be provided. Smokers who step outside for a
cigarette will be subject to a ban on lighting up within 10 metres of a
public building.

Lithuania

Designated rooms are provided in all workplaces, as well as in all
health, educational and government facilities. A complete ban on
smoking on public transport is enforced, but long-distance trains and
planes have smoking areas.

Poland

Smoking ban in force in workplaces and public buildings. No plans to
extend this at present.

Hungary

Employers must provide adequate protection for non-smokers. Designated
smoking areas may be provided. A 1997 Child Protection Act also states
that children have the right to be protected from environmental hazards
and substances harmful to health.

Belgium

2006 ushered in a complete smoking ban in all workplaces. From January
2007, a ban on smoking in restaurants will be enforced.

Luxembourg

No current legislation, but there are moves to introduce a complete ban
on smoking in the workplace.

The Netherlands

A 2004 bill cut down on smoking in public places and the government
aims to reduce tobacco consumption by 80 per cent by 2008. This year
smoking rooms will be set up in eating establishments, with the aim of
phasing out smoking in public.

Slovenia

Smoking in hospitals and schools is prohibited.

Slovakia

A 1997 law requires employers to impose bans on smoking in workplaces
frequented by non-smokers.

Czech Republic

Smoking is banned on public transport and in workplaces where
non-smokers could be exposed to tobacco smoke. It is also forbidden to
smoke in restaurants during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spain

Three days after Spain introduced a law banning smoking at work and in
closed public spaces, there is a growing movement to assert what many
consider their inalienable right to smoke. Meanwhile, since 1 January,
25,000 people a day have sought medical advice on how to stop.

Petrol stations, news stands and shops that function as bars are trying
to circumvent the law that bans them from selling cigarettes, and which
has cut their income by up to 20 per cent.

Spain's 12,000 outdoor news vendors feel particularly aggrieved:
smoking is permitted in the open air, but sales of cigarettes are
confned to specialist tobacco shops (where you cannot smoke).

Offces and factories are now smoke-free. Offenders pay fnes of up to
?600 (£414) and employers warn that time lost to unauthorised
"smoking pauses" will amount to 14 days a year per smoker. You can
smoke in the open air and in bars and restaurants smaller than 100
square metres. Numerous small bars in Spain have opted to become
smokers' refuges, generating a worse fug than before.

Larger bars and restaurants may demarcate a smoking section of up to 30
per cent of the space, and have eight months to complete the structural
alterations. This poses problems for large wedding parties, where the
father of the bride traditionally hands out cigars to his guests. (They
can only smoke in the smoking areas, where children are prohibited.)

A massively oversubscribed government helpline reveals grey areas that
caused even offcials to scratch their heads. Can a lorry driver smoke
in his enclosed cab? (Yes, it's not a "work centre".) What about
massage parlours? Yes, if rooms are designated "smoking". Unexpected
opposition has emerged from women at the hairdressers, long accustomed
to smoking under the drier. Now they must step into the streets, even
in their rollers.

Portugal

Total ban on smoking in public buildings, as well as on public
transport when journeys last less than an hour. Partial restrictions on
smoking on aircraft are enforced.

France

The law on smoking in public places in France, dating from 1991, is
vaguely worded and unevenly applied. The anti-smoking lobby is pressing
for much tougher rules, comparable to those in Ireland and, now, Spain.

Under Article 16 of the Loi Evin of January 1991 - which mostly deals
with restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising - smoking is
banned on all public transport and in "places used collectively",
except in " areas reserved for smokers".

The French railways, the SNCF, have gone further than the law and
abolished smoking carriages. However, many bars and restaurants
interpret the law loosely and declare their whole establishment to be
an "area reserved for smokers".

Austria

Austrian law, updated in 2003, prohibits smoking in public buildings
and transport, but not workplaces.

Greece

Public smoking is banned in many places but special smoking areas are
allowed. Cafes, bars and restaurants must allocate space for
non-smokers.

Malta

Total ban in place since 2005. Bars, restaurants and cafes that wish to
allow smoking must provide enclosed areas. The government has the power
to impose fines of up to ?250 for contravention.

Italy

An offcial ban on smoking in all enclosed public places including bars,
restaurants and offces came into effect in Italy on 10 January, 2005.
Since then the ban has led to an 8 per cent drop in cigarette
consumption.

There was some initial resistance from smokers and bar owners. But
businesses face a fne of up to ?2,000 (£1,395) if they fail to
ensure their customers do not smoke. Smokers themselves can receive a
?275 (£191) fne.

The law allows smoking only in sealed-off rooms with smoke extractors,
but only a few places have bothered to comply.

Generally the law has been accepted.

Smoking is still tolerated at cabinet meetings in the prime minister's
offce, where Defence Minister Antonio Martino, a smoker since the age
of 18, describes the habit as"a sacred right".

Cyprus

Smoking is currently banned in all public places including
entertainment venues, government buildings and on public transport. It
is also banned in private cars carrying passengers under 16, but
remains regulated in workplaces.

Irish Republic

Centuries of tradition were overturned in March 2004 when smoking in
bars and all other workplaces was banned. The measure was pushed
through by a crusading health minister in the teeth of opposition from
the politically powerful hospitality industry.

Although controversial to begin with, smoke-free pubs and other
workplaces quickly came to be regarded as the norm and the Irish
Republic has been visited by delegations from a number of other
countries contemplating anti-smoking moves.

Northern Ireland

A smoking ban encompassing all enclosed public places - including pubs,
restaurants and hotels - is due to come into effect in April 2007.
Smoking is already banned in government offices and other institutions.
Making the announcement last October, Northern Ireland Office minister
Shaun Woodward said: "No one has a right to subject colleagues and
workmates to the dangers and hazards of second-hand smoke and passive
smoking." He, of course, represents an English constituency - where the
proposed ban is much less complete.

Although the Northern Ireland policy could be changed if a new
powersharing government is formed in Belfast, the expectation is that
it would go ahead as planned. No major political party has voiced
opposition.

England

Of the four countries of the UK, England is the only one going for a
partial ban, due to be introduced in April 2007. This will permit
smoking in pubs that don't serve food. It has provoked widespread
protests that it will be unworkable. The Government has promised a set
of guidelines - but they are unlikely to be simple.

Scotland

A complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland comes
into effect at 6am on Sunday 26 March following a unanimous decision by
the Scottish Executive last November. It will be an offence - with a
minimum penalty of £50 - to light up, or allow others to do so, in "
no-smoking premises", defned as enclosed locations which are used by
the public.

Sweden

All restaurants, bars and cafes are now smoke-free. Ventilated smoking
rooms where food and drink is not served can be set up.

Denmark

Under current legislation, smoking is only banned in schools and
government buildings open to the public. Transport and council services
must have individual smoke-free policies.

Germany

Buses, underground trains, cinemas and theatres have been no-go areas
for smokers in Germany for more than 30 years. However a powerful
tobacco industry and the fact that the Nazis offcially frowned on
smoking, have led post-war German legislators to avoid the imposition
of more Draconian measures. Mainline trains still have smoking
carriages, for example.

Last year the government reached a voluntary agreement with restaurant
and pub owners for the creation of limited no-smoking areas in 30 per
cent of all licensed premises.

The partial smoking ban is scheduled to be extended to 90 per cent of
all pubs and restaurants by 2008 when owners are requested to ensure
that 50 per cent of their premises are reserved for non smokers.

Finland

Smoking is completely banned in healthcare, educational and government
facilities, indoor workplaces and offices, theatres, cinemas and public
transports although separate areas for smoking may be provided.

Discussions are underway regarding a complete smoking ban and new
amendments to curb smoking in restaurants and prevent employees being
exposed to ambient tobacco smoke should come into effect in summer
2006.

Estonia

The Tobacco Act of 2001, amended in 2004, imposes a complete ban on
smoking in healthcare, education and government facilities, indoor
offices and workplaces, as well as theatres and cinemas although in all
these areas special smoking areas are permitted.

Latvia

From July the current smoking ban, which includes public buildings and
workplaces, will be extended to cafes, bars and restaurants. Designated
smoking areas will be provided. Smokers who step outside for a
cigarette will be subject to a ban on lighting up within 10 metres of a
public building.

Lithuania

Designated rooms are provided in all workplaces, as well as in all
health, educational and government facilities. A complete ban on
smoking on public transport is enforced, but long-distance trains and
planes have smoking areas.

Poland

Smoking ban in force in workplaces and public buildings. No plans to
extend this at present.

Hungary

Employers must provide adequate protection for non-smokers. Designated
smoking areas may be provided. A 1997 Child Protection Act also states
that children have the right to be protected from environmental hazards
and substances harmful to health.

Belgium

2006 ushered in a complete smoking ban in all workplaces. From January
2007, a ban on smoking in restaurants will be enforced.

Luxembourg

No current legislation, but there are moves to introduce a complete ban
on smoking in the workplace.

The Netherlands

A 2004 bill cut down on smoking in public places and the government
aims to reduce tobacco consumption by 80 per cent by 2008. This year
smoking rooms will be set up in eating establishments, with the aim of
phasing out smoking in public.

Slovenia

Smoking in hospitals and schools is prohibited.

Slovakia

A 1997 law requires employers to impose bans on smoking in workplaces
frequented by non-smokers.

Czech Republic

Smoking is banned on public transport and in workplaces where
non-smokers could be exposed to tobacco smoke. It is also forbidden to
smoke in restaurants during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spain

Three days after Spain introduced a law banning smoking at work and in
closed public spaces, there is a growing movement to assert what many
consider their inalienable right to smoke. Meanwhile, since 1 January,
25,000 people a day have sought medical advice on how to stop.

Petrol stations, news stands and shops that function as bars are trying
to circumvent the law that bans them from selling cigarettes, and which
has cut their income by up to 20 per cent.

Spain's 12,000 outdoor news vendors feel particularly aggrieved:
smoking is permitted in the open air, but sales of cigarettes are
confned to specialist tobacco shops (where you cannot smoke).

Offces and factories are now smoke-free. Offenders pay fnes of up to
?600 (£414) and employers warn that time lost to unauthorised
"smoking pauses" will amount to 14 days a year per smoker. You can
smoke in the open air and in bars and restaurants smaller than 100
square metres. Numerous small bars in Spain have opted to become
smokers' refuges, generating a worse fug than before.

Larger bars and restaurants may demarcate a smoking section of up to 30
per cent of the space, and have eight months to complete the structural
alterations. This poses problems for large wedding parties, where the
father of the bride traditionally hands out cigars to his guests. (They
can only smoke in the smoking areas, where children are prohibited.)

A massively oversubscribed government helpline reveals grey areas that
caused even offcials to scratch their heads. Can a lorry driver smoke
in his enclosed cab? (Yes, it's not a "work centre".) What about
massage parlours? Yes, if rooms are designated "smoking". Unexpected
opposition has emerged from women at the hairdressers, long accustomed
to smoking under the drier. Now they must step into the streets, even
in their rollers.

Portugal

Total ban on smoking in public buildings, as well as on public
transport when journeys last less than an hour. Partial restrictions on
smoking on aircraft are enforced.

France

The law on smoking in public places in France, dating from 1991, is
vaguely worded and unevenly applied. The anti-smoking lobby is pressing
for much tougher rules, comparable to those in Ireland and, now, Spain.

Under Article 16 of the Loi Evin of January 1991 - which mostly deals
with restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising - smoking is
banned on all public transport and in "places used collectively",
except in " areas reserved for smokers".

The French railways, the SNCF, have gone further than the law and
abolished smoking carriages. However, many bars and restaurants
interpret the law loosely and declare their whole establishment to be
an "area reserved for smokers".

Austria

Austrian law, updated in 2003, prohibits smoking in public buildings
and transport, but not workplaces.

Greece

Public smoking is banned in many places but special smoking areas are
allowed. Cafes, bars and restaurants must allocate space for
non-smokers.

Malta

Total ban in place since 2005. Bars, restaurants and cafes that wish to
allow smoking must provide enclosed areas. The government has the power
to impose fines of up to ?250 for contravention.

Italy

An offcial ban on smoking in all enclosed public places including bars,
restaurants and offces came into effect in Italy on 10 January, 2005.
Since then the ban has led to an 8 per cent drop in cigarette
consumption.

There was some initial resistance from smokers and bar owners. But
businesses face a fne of up to ?2,000 (£1,395) if they fail to
ensure their customers do not smoke. Smokers themselves can receive a
?275 (£191) fne.

The law allows smoking only in sealed-off rooms with smoke extractors,
but only a few places have bothered to comply.

Generally the law has been accepted.

Smoking is still tolerated at cabinet meetings in the prime minister's
offce, where Defence Minister Antonio Martino, a smoker since the age
of 18, describes the habit as"a sacred right".

Cyprus

Smoking is currently banned in all public places including
entertainment venues, government buildings and on public transport. It
is also banned in private cars carrying passengers under 16, but
remains regulated in workplaces.