1 January 2010, the two latest European countries to toughen up their smoking bans.

In Cyprus, the new restrictions ban smoking in public places including hospitals, schools, theatres, public transport including taxis and in private cars with passengers younger than 16. Also banned is advertising of tobacco products and the sale of such products to people younger than 16. Breaking the ban means fines of EUR 2,000 for smokers and owners of places where smoking takes place in violation of the law. The new rules expand on earlier restrictions which, reports said, had been widely flouted.
Macedonian media said that the first few days of the ban, which outlaws smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces, had seen widespread compliance. Fines for breaking the ban are
EUR 150 to 300 for individuals and up to EUR 4,500 for legal persons.
The year 2009 saw several countries impose or extend bans, including Greece and Turkey. The exception was Croatia, which in September 2009 trimmed back a ban imposed earlier that year.
Spain reportedly plans a total ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other places of entertainment in 2010, and Bulgaria is also set to ban smoking in public places in 2010, although a 2005 law restricting smoking in public places is extensively ignored. Elsewhere in Europe, Scotland reportedly is planning to top up existing anti-smoking laws with a ban on cigarette vending machines and on the display of tobacco products in shops.
Most European Union member states impose smoking bans in some form, and on the continent as a whole there are variations, including Montenegro’s ban which includes outlawing people on television being depicted smoking.
(pi)