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Sun, Nov 22 2009
Croatia reverses smoking ban in public places
Photo: Hannibal Nanschke
On September 10 2009 the ban on smoking in bars and cafes in Croatia was partially repealed, local media has reported. Proprietors with establishments that are up to 50 sq m will now be able to choose whether to allow smoking. Larger establishments will have to include a designated and separately ventilated smoking area
Croatia's government is reneging on the ban because cafe owners have been complaining, putting a severe strain on the decision to follow the rest of Europe and forbid smoking in bars and restaurants. The U-turn comes in the tourism-dependent country which has more than 5800 restaurants and almost 10 000 bars - mostly cafes - with more than 100 000 employees.
Since the anti-smoking law was adopted in May 2009, establishments in Croatia, especially those without terraces, reported a "significant decrease in business," an association of about 16 000 owners said, according to the state-run HINA news agency.
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Owners of bars and restaurants claim that the ban was too drastic and should be amended and implemented in such a way as to avoid the "collapse of the sector".
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One proposal stipulated that proprietors of establishments of less than 50 sq metres that only serve drinks should be left to decide whether they will be a smoking or non-smoking location. Larger establishments, on the other hand, should be allowed to designate a third of their capacity for smokers, who will also be served food and drinks, the report says.
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Fines of up to 2100 euros for individuals and up to 21 000 euros for business owners are imposed on those violating the smoking ban.
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The Croatian Government decided to ban smoking in early 2008 in public institutions such as hospitals, clinics, schools, nurseries and universities. The ban came into effect on November 7 2008, but in May 2009 the government passed a full ban, forbidding smoking in all closed public places, including bars, restaurants and cafes.
It is estimated that 30 per cent of Croatia’s adult population smoke.
Croatia's government is reneging on the ban because cafe owners have been complaining, putting a severe strain on the decision to follow the rest of Europe and forbid smoking in bars and restaurants. The U-turn comes in the tourism-dependent country which has more than 5800 restaurants and almost 10 000 bars - mostly cafes - with more than 100 000 employees.
Since the anti-smoking law was adopted in May 2009, establishments in Croatia, especially those without terraces, reported a "significant decrease in business," an association of about 16 000 owners said, according to the state-run HINA news agency.
.
Owners of bars and restaurants claim that the ban was too drastic and should be amended and implemented in such a way as to avoid the "collapse of the sector".
.
One proposal stipulated that proprietors of establishments of less than 50 sq metres that only serve drinks should be left to decide whether they will be a smoking or non-smoking location. Larger establishments, on the other hand, should be allowed to designate a third of their capacity for smokers, who will also be served food and drinks, the report says.
.
Fines of up to 2100 euros for individuals and up to 21 000 euros for business owners are imposed on those violating the smoking ban.
.
The Croatian Government decided to ban smoking in early 2008 in public institutions such as hospitals, clinics, schools, nurseries and universities. The ban came into effect on November 7 2008, but in May 2009 the government passed a full ban, forbidding smoking in all closed public places, including bars, restaurants and cafes.
It is estimated that 30 per cent of Croatia’s adult population smoke.
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What they have done is fair to both smokers and non smokers alike, people have a choice. Great! If only our own New Labour government would see sense in providing people with choice, rather than treating smokers like lepers forcing them to stand out in the rain.Lets hope the New Labour lifestyle dictators lose the next election.
What they have done is fair to both smokers and non smokers alike, people have a choice. Great! If only our own New Labour government would see sense in providing people with choice, rather than treating smokers like lepers forcing them to stand out in the rain.Lets hope the New Labour lifestyle dictators lose the next election.
Sonia, how stupid are you? Why don’t you visit one of the many non –smoking establishments? Fascists like you make me sick
Oh, and just when I was thinking of visiting this beautiful country.....
No, thanks, no tobacco-stinking places for this tourist!
How can and liberal minded right thinking person not agree with this.
Because ASH and the zealots are not rational thinking people, they're the devils incarnate.
But at last a government that is made up of sensible politicans not in thrall to WHO, ASH and the rest of the anti-smoking-propganda-brigade.
What the Croatian government has done makes perfect sense and is fair.
Lucky, lucky Crotaians, I shall be looking to taking a holiday there, to go to a place where I'm not demonised or treated as a 2nd class citizen.
How can and liberal minded right thinking person not agree with this.
Because ASH and the zealots are not rational thinking people, they're the devils incarnate.
But at last a government that is made up of sensible politicans not in thrall to WHO, ASH and the rest of the anti-smoking-propganda-brigade.
What the Croatian government has done makes perfect sense and is fair.
Lucky, lucky Crotaians, I shall be looking to taking a holiday there, to go to a place where I'm not demonised or treated as a 2nd class citizen.
That sounds fair enought. Now everyone will be catered for, not just the vocal anti smoking nazis! How can any liberal minded right thinking person not agree with this?