The Belarusian government plans to draft a comprehensive anti-smoking programme, which is to be implemented in 2008-2010, reports the online edition of Belaruskie novosti.

The draft program envisages a total ban on tobacco smoking in public places including all health, athletic, tourism and education establishments, along with parks, hotels, bus stops and stairwells in apartment buildings. In addition, employers will be obligated to include a clause prohibiting smoking at work in their contracts of employment. Belarus already has a law partially banning tobacco smoking in public places. The new program is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.