The Croatian government is to forward to the parliament a tough anti-tobacco bill introducing a public smoking ban, Agence France-Presse reports.

The bill, in line with European Union standards and which Zagreb hopes to join by 2010, envisages a smoking ban in all educational, health and social institutions as well as work places.
Smoking at bars would only be allowed on terraces, while restaurants would be able to allocate a separate room for smokers. But no food or drinks would be allowed to be served in these areas. Smokers not complying with the ban would be fined up to EUR 2,800.
The bill is likely to be forwarded to parliament by the end of the month. Once adopted, it will become effective within the next six months. Under current laws, smoking is banned in health and education facilities, while in other public areas separate smoking areas have to be marked. Yet the rules are often ignored, notably in bars, restaurants and offices. (pi)