Updated 27th July 2007
Smoking was prohibited in most indoor public places, on public transport and in schools under the 1977 Tobacco Act. In 1995, the law was amended to end smoking in school playgrounds and workplaces. In most workplaces, smoking is only permitted in special smoking rooms or in private offices, and employers are not permitted to establish smoking rooms. As a result many companies are totally smoke-free.
The Tobacco Act was amended again in 2000 to restrict smoking in bars and restaurants and came into force in stages. By July 2003, smoke-free areas in bars and restaurants became compulsory and smoking at bar service counters and gambling tables was no longer permitted.
A further amendment to the law on smoking in public place was passed by the parliament in June 2006 and came into force on 1st June 2007. Under this latest amendment smoking is permitted only on open-air patios and in closed smoking rooms. Drinking, eating or entertainment is not permitted in the smoking rooms. Bars, cafes and restaurants larger than 50sqm with a ventilation system were given the opportunity to apply for a permission to allow smoking in designated areas during a two year transitional period until 2009.
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