On Tuesday the smoking ban imposed on the hospitality industry in 2008 was lifted for pubs run without personnel.
The incoming rightwing government is responding to persistent complaints from one-man businesses who argued that the smoking ban was meant to guarantee staff a smoke-free working environment. Since they had no employees, their small pubs didn't need the smoking ban, the owners claimed.
The ban will remain in force for pubs, restaurants and the like which are run with personnel.
Secretary Wiel Maessen of the 1250 small pubs' umbrella group KHO said that despite his satisfaction on behalf of his members, the fight would not be over until the ban was lifted for the entire sector. (pi)
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