Now Italy bans smoking

Italy today becomes the latest country to outlaw smoking, with a complete ban on lighting up in indoor public places. Under the new regulations, cafes bars and clubs will either have to completely ban smoking or allocate a special smoking area with illuminated signs, automatic doors and a state-approved air-conditioning system that costs in the region of GBP15,000. According to The Independent newspaper, anyone caught smoking illegally could be fined GBP1,500 – but that figure can rise if a child or pregnant woman is exposed to the fumes. The newspaper states that, because many Italian bars and cafes have only one room, 97 per cent of establishments are expected to bring in a ban. The new rules also require owners to inform the police if customers ignore the ban. One manager is quoted as saying: “What are we going to do? We’re not going to do anything except put up no-smoking signs and ask people to abide by the law.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd