Germany’s state of Bavaria is relaxing its strict smoking ban as of August, and the government of the City of Berlin also wants to change the tough regulations for small bars.

Starting in August 2009, small bars in Bavaria will be able to introduce special smoking areas, as will beer tents, such as those during Munich's 'Oktoberfest'.
Bavaria's smoking ban was the strictest in Germany, which has not permitted any exceptions or separate smoking areas. The ban led to fierce protests and special smoking clubs were set up to defy the law. Bavaria's health minister, Markus Söder, explained that it was impossible to enforce the legislation and relaxing the regulations would restore "social peace".
Following the Bavarian decision on 20 January, the government of Berlin expressed that it is also in favour of  exceptions to its ban, which forbids smoking in bars and one-room pubs, and which was threatening their economic survival.
According to Stefanie Winde, spokeswoman for the Social Democratic Party, the new rules would allow smoking in one-room premises with less than 75 square meters, but it would also prohibit the serving of food and the admission of guests under 18. The changes have to be approved by Berlin’s parliament. (pi)