More countries ban smoking
Smoking is no longer allowed in French cafes, bars and restaurants
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Wednesday, 02, Jan 2008 11:58
France and Germany have become the latest European countries to bring in restrictions on smoking in public places.
From tomorrow people face fines for smoking in French bars, cafes and restaurants, ending the traditional image of the hazy, smoke-filled Parisian cafes.
The ban is an extension of a prohibition on smoking in France's workplaces, hospitals, schools, airports and rail stations that was introduced last year.
France has a population of about 60 million, 13.5 million of which are smokers.
Despite opposition from some groups to the ban, initial reports suggest not all French bar and restaurant owners are against the new policy.
"There has been no problem," Parisian cafe owner Jean-Claude Chenu told the French news agency AFP, adding that people are going outside to smoke.
"For me it's a matter of respect for the people working behind the bar. We don't want to breathe in their smoke all day," he said.
Meanwhile in Germany legislators have introduced smoking bans in bars and restaurants throughout eight states – although fines will not be imposed for the first six months of the year in Berlin.
Smoking restrictions are already in place in the states of Lower Saxony, Baden-Wurttemberg and Hessen, while Saxony, Saarland and North Rhine-Westphalia will introduce bans in the next few months.
The state of Thuringia will bring in smoking restrictions in public places in July.