The House of Representatives rejected a plan by the Senate to restrict smoking in restaurants, since it wants cantonal authorities to have the final say in the matter.

The House of Representatives came out in favour of granting the country's 26 cantonal authorities the right to impose tougher rules than on a federal level.
Several regions have already introduced a smoking ban in public buildings and restaurants over the past few years. More cantons are expected to follow suit but regulations might be less strict.
Opponents of a ban argued that small restaurants in rural areas would have to close down and said it would be sufficient to have special rooms for smokers in restaurants wherever possible. Supporters of an all-out smoking ban criticised them of giving in to pressure from the restaurant and tobacco industries. (pi)