The new Tobacco Act, which was passed by the Estonian parliament two years ago, will take effect in June after a delay that was meant to allow companies to adjust to the new requirements.

The new law imposes a stricter smoking ban on premises, and smoking will be permitted in casinos and in catering places, including bars, only if a separate room is provided for smokers. Smoking will also be banned at places of work, in pedestrian tunnels and in the stairwells of apartment buildings. Violation of the ban is punishable with a fine of up to EEK 1,200. The consumer protection authority, the police, municipal governments and the health inspectorate are the institutions allowed to check whether the law is obeyed. It is estimated that there are 355,000 regular smokers in Estonia.