A ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Geneva, including bars and restaurants, will go into effect in July.

The cantonal cabinet has decided to adopt a regulation that will see stiff fines for offenders. Fines will start at CHF 100 (USD 96.3) for individuals who ignore the law, ranging up to CHF 1,000 for repeat offenders. For owners of establishments, the maximum fine is CHF 10,000, under the new law.
Geneva is the latest in a series of cantons to introduce anti-smoking legislation. The decision follows an initiative that was supported by almost 80 per cent of voters on 24 February. Among the areas of public buildings exempted from the Geneva regulation are prison cells, hotel rooms and hospital rooms which are all considered private spaces. (pi)