Norway has introduced a smoking ban in all restaurants and bars, just three months after Ireland became the first country in the world to implement a nationwide ban.
According to the BBC News website, the Norwegian government has introduced the legislation to protect those who work in bars and restaurants from second-hand smoke, with polls suggesting that most Norwegians are supportive of the move.
As reported, Ireland became the first country to implement a nationwide ban, in March, with most media sources saying the move was a success. But the initiative may face stiffer opposition in Norway, where 26 per cent of the population are smokers.
One club manager is quoted as saying: “We hope business won’t be hit. It will take a few months to find out but the biggest uncertainty is how the law will be applied. Will we lose our licence if someone has a cigarette and we can’t persuade them to stop?”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
