Greece would ban tobacco in all indoor public places from 1 September because a partial ban enacted in July 2009 had failed, health minister Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou was reported as saying by Reuters.

Last year’s ban was very largely ignored because of exemptions for small bars and restaurants, complex rules and the failure to crack down on offenders. Greeks routinely light up cigarettes in taxis, larger bars, or even at work. The 2009 ban, agreed under the previous, conservative administration, imposed fines of up to 500 euros on convicted smokers, while bars and restaurants risked losing their licence. As of 1 September 2010, smoking will be banned in all public places. Casinos and bars bigger than 300 square metres will be given eight months to apply the law. The government would publish a draft bill in the coming days, Xenogiannakopoulou said. (pi)