The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday approved strict anti-smoking legislation that will be implemented on 1 January 2012 .

The new law will ban smoking in the workplace, on public transport as well as smoking near playgrounds, schools, creches and health institutions.
Fines for violations of up to HUF 30,000 (EUR 113) could be charged starting 1 April 2012.
The measure does allow some exceptions, such as cigar lounges in hotels, though those will no longer be allowed to serve food or drinks. Special smoking areas can also be set up in prisons and psychiatric institutions.
Hungarian communities are not stopped from passing their own anti-smoking legislation on top of the national measure. (pi)