A new law on smoking ban in public places took effect in Georgia on 23 January 2006.

The document prohibits tobacco smoking in any place of public resort, in public institutions and organisations, enclosed space, catering facilities and transport. A special service agency for the law implementation is set up and is to start regular raids without delay. Another law, on the rules in tobacco manufacturing, bans businessmen engaged in the tobacco production from any other kind of business. Stricter regulations regarding purchase of raw material are also introduced. (vt)