List of smoking bans

This is a list of smoking bans by country. Smoking bans are public policies, including criminal laws and occupational safety and health regulations, which prohibit tobacco smoking in workplaces and/or other public spaces. Legislation may also define smoking as more generally being the carrying or possessing of any lit tobacco product.

File:Smoking bans.png

Smoking bans worldwide as of 3 Jan 2011:

  no restrictions or no data

  patchy and incomplete bans, low enforcement

  no national ban, some localities have comprehensive indoor bans

  strong national ban in public areas except entertainment and restaurants, or weak enforcement in indoor entertainment areas

  strong national ban in public areas except entertainment and restaurants, some localities have comprehensive indoor bans

  strong national ban in all public indoor areas with some exceptions

Note: Countries with all subnational entities having a ban equates to a nationwide ban here, such as for Canada and Australia

A pictogram often used where a smoking ban is in order.

Bans

Albania

A law went into effect on 26 May 2007 banning smoking in closed public areas and outlawing the advertisement of tobacco. The measure has been largely ineffective and not enforced.

Andorra

Since 2004, smoking is banned in government buildings, educational facilities, hospitals, enclosed sport facilites and buses. In 2010, a increase in restrictions at restaurants, bars, and workplaces was under discussion.

Argentina

Main article: Smoking in Argentina

A 2006 smoking ban in Buenos Aires city prohibits smoking in public areas including bars and restaurants except if the bar is more than 100 m² where it is possible to provide an area for smoking customers. Similar bans in other Argentine cities require bigger establishments to provide a separate, contained area for smoking customers. The rule is not nationwide.

Armenia

A law went into effect in March 2005 banning smoking in hospitals, cultural and educational and mental institutions and on public transportation. On 1 March 2006 new rules came into effect requiring all public and private institutions, including bars and restaurants, to allow smoking only in special secluded areas. Absence of any legal sanctions against those who violate the smoking laws have made them completely ineffectual.

Australia

Main article: List of smoking bans in Australia

In Australia smoking bans are determined on a state-by-state basis. In chronological order by state:

• South Australia: Smoking prohibited in all indoor dining areas since January 1999. Total enclosed public place smoking ban in force since November 2007
• Western Australia: Incremental restrictions introduced from January 2005 with a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public spaces taking effect from July 2006
• Tasmania: Total indoor smoking ban in force since January 2006 . From January 2008 the ban was extended to include smoking in cars with passengers under the age of 18
• Queensland: Comprehensive ban in effect since July 2006. Smoking is prohibited in all pubs, clubs, restaurants and workplaces, commercial outdoor eating and drinking areas, outdoor public places, and within 4 metres of non-residential building entrances
• Australian Capital Territory: A ban on smoking in enclosed public places has been in effect since December 2006
• Victoria: : A ban on smoking in enclosed public places has been in effect since July 2007
• New South Wales: A ban on smoking in all enclosed areas of restaurants, licensed clubs and pubs came into force in July 2007. From 1 July 2009, smoking in a car with a child under the age of 16 is against the law. The Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 creates a new offence of smoking in a car with a child under 16 years of age in the vehicle. A $250 on the spot fine applies to the driver and any passenger who breaks the law and this will be enforced by NSW Police.
• Northern Territory: A ban on smoking in all enclosed areas of restaurants, licensed clubs and pubs came into force in 2 January 2010.

As of 1 January 2011, Australia will become the first country in the world with generic cigarette packaging (black and white, same font) for all cigarette brands. It is expected that other countries will follow.

Austria

Austria has implemented several laws which limit or outlaw smoking in certain areas:

• Smoking is prohibited in all offices with certain exceptions such as bars, discos, restaurants etc. If all employees agree on allowing smoking in a work place, smoking may continue.
• Smoking was banned from all trains and train stations when Germany introduced such a ban in 2007.
• As of January 2009, a new law was put in place which mandates all restaurants, bars, discos and pubs which are larger than 80m² to introduce smoking rooms and non-smoking rooms. Below 50m² the owner may opt to either be a smoking or non-smoking place, between 50m² and 80m² there is an option under certain circumstances. The law provides for a very long transition phase.

Bahrain

Bahrain outlawed smoking in public places on 27 February 2008.

Belgium

• 2005: Companies should have implemented smoking plans to discourage smoking.
• January 2006: Smoking prohibited in the work area.
• January 2007: Smoking banned in restaurants and bars, except in the ones that serve "light meals" (e.g. cold meals, pizzas and warm meals that are served with bread instead of French fries) and have less of 30% of their sales from food servings. Small bars are also not included in the ban. Most large bars, such as concert venues, do little to enforce the ban.
• September 2008: Smoking no longer allowed in schools.
• January 2010: After a general smoking ban, including all types of bars had been discussed, this has been watered down to a smoking ban applying only when food is served.

Bermuda

As of 1 October 2006, all enclosed workplaces in Bermuda are smoke-free, including restaurants, bars, private clubs and hotels.

Bhutan

Following a resolution of the 87th session of the National Assembly on 17 December 2004, a national ban on the sale of tobacco and tobacco products went into effect, but importing limited tobacco would still be permitted with very heavy taxes. Smoking in all public places in Bhutan became illegal on 22 February 2005. It thus became the first nation in the world to outlaw this practice outright. However, there is little enforcement. Cigarettes are widely smuggled, and bars in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu are usually smoky.

The National Council decided on 10 July 2009 to lift the ban on the sale of tobacco and tobacco products while discussing the tobacco control bill.

The council, with a majority, agreed to delete the section C in chapter three of the bill, which says, “No person shall sell tobacco and tobacco products.” The council chairperson, Namgay Penjore, said that they discussed including a new clause to control the sale of tobacco and tobacco products through pricing.

Council members said that the ban on the sale was ineffective and led to a black market. Some said tobacco was easily available anywhere, but at exorbitant prices because of the ineffective ban.

“The idea is to make tobacco expensive by imposing higher taxes,” said the chairperson. The name of the bill is “Tobacco control bill” and not ‘… ban’. “The change (deleting the clause) was to do away with the thriving black market,” he said.

Meanwhile, the council also suggested inserting another clause restricting the sale of tobacco products to youth below 18 years. However, Namgay Penjore said the bill was still under discussion and not endorsed. The bill will be submitted to the National Assembly.

3 June 2010
According to the bill, people selling tobacco products will be punished for the offence of misdemeanor liable for a prison term of one to three years. Smuggling tobacco products into the country will be punished for the offence of felony of fourth degree liable for prison term of three to five years. However, the bill was passed with 61 “yes” votes and five “no” votes. Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency (BNCA) will serve as the secretariat of tobacco control office and its board members will also be the board members of the tobacco control board, according to Health Minister. The tobacco control board, among other functions, will provide effective leadership and coordination in imple­menting the act, formulate and implement national tobacco control strategy, monitor the enforcement of the provisions under the act and approve rules framed under the act. Health Minister said that, once His Majesty gives his assent to the bill, the rules and regulations will be drafted

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the nation has banned smoking in public buildings since 1 September 2007.

Brazil

In Brazil, the sale and consumption of tobacco for 18 years older citizens is legal. However, product advertising on television and radio is prohibited. All cigarette packs contain advertisements against smoking and government warnings about possible adverse health effects.

Smoking is forbidden in all enclosed public spaces, such as shopping malls and libraries, except for specifically- designated smoking areas. In restaurants there should be a non smoking section but in reality most restaurants end up having tables side by side, one for non-smokers and another where smoking is allowed. Tobacco advertising is restricted to posters in shops.

São Paulo, the most important Latin American state in economic terms, became the first in Brazil to adopt the most comprehensive ban, being followed by Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Under the new regulation there are no smoking sections in any place around the state.

The law became effective from 7 August 2009 with smoking forbidden in all indoor and enclosed public spaces such as bars and restaurants, clubs, shopping malls, movie theatres, banks, supermarkets, bakeries, chemist shops, health places, government offices and schools.

Also it is no longer allowed on work and study places, libraries, buses, cabs, commercial and residential common areas, hotels and inns.

São Paulo government has graduated 500 specialised agents to make sure the rule is respected at all times. The first team was trained to measure ambient smoke in an area and to warn smokers about the risks for their health.

Anybody violating the law is charged with a fine. Public sites can be punished with a maximum fine of R$ 1.585,00 (Brazilian currency, ~USD 800,00). If there is a second infraction the site is closed. According to surveys, 88% of São Paulo’s inhabitants support the Smoke Free Law.

Bulgaria

Banned in all indoor public spaces except bars and restaurants.

Canada

Main article: Smoking in Canada

In Canada, indoor smoking is banned by all territories and provinces and by the federal government. As of 2010, legislation banning smoking within each of these jurisdictions is mostly consistent, despite the separate development of legislation by each jurisdiction. The federal government's smoking ban in workplaces and on common carriers applies only to the federal government and to federally regulated businesses, such as airports. Smoking rooms are not permitted.

Chile

Chile bans smoking in schools, hospitals, government offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, pharmacies, airports, buses, subway networks and other indoor public places. Smoking in universities indoors is banned, however, smoking is allowed outdoors. Restaurants, with large eateries (over 100 m²) must have fully partitioned nonsmoking sections. Smaller restaurants can choose between being smoke free or being for smokers. The same with cafes and pubs. Clubs, despite their size, are able to choose between being smoke free or being for smokers, however, in practice all clubs are "for smokers".

China

Main article: Smoking in the People's Republic of China

Shanghai Municipality expanded smoking bans from hospitals to kindergartens, schools, libraries and stadiums, effective 1 March 2010, and had attempted to ban smoking in restaurants for the 2010 World Expo, but restaurants do not stick to the ban and it is not enforced.

In Guangdong Province, the municipalities of Guangzhou and Jiangmen banned smoking in public places in 2007, but the law is not enforced.

Colombia

Main article: Smoking in Colombia

In summer 2009, Colombia has extended its existing tobacco control regulations by requiring all indoor work places and public places be immediately smoke-free; prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorship, and the use of terms such as ‘light’ and ‘mild’ on packaging, requiring large, pictorial health warnings on tobacco packaging (covering 30 per cent of the front and back) within a year, preventing the sale of tobacco products to minors; and mandating public education programs on the deadly effects of tobacco use.

Croatia

On 22 November 2008 the Croatian Parliament passed legislation prohibiting smoking in public institutions such as hospitals, clinics, schools, nurseries and universities with infractions punishable with up to 1000 kuna (140 euros). A notable exception in the Act are psychiatric wards in Croatia's hospitals. The ban went further in May 2009 when smoking was banned in all enclosed public areas including bars, restaurants and cafes. The smoking ban applies to all public areas where non-smokers could suffer from secondhand smoking including open public areas like sport stadiums, arenas, open air theatres, tram and bus stations etc. It is estimated that 30 percent of Croatia’s adult population are smokers. On 10 September 2009 the ban on smoking in bars and cafes in Croatia was partially repealed for a grace period until 9 April 2010, local media has reported. Proprietors with establishments that are up to 50 sq m that meet very strict conditions will now be able to choose whether to allow smoking. One of the conditions is a ventilation system that is able to change indoor air at least 10 times per hour. Until March 2010 only 16 (out of 16 000) establishments in all of Croatia have met the conditions and have been permitted to allow smoking. Larger establishments will have to include a designated and separately ventilated smoking area

Cuba

Cuba has banned smoking in most work places, cigarette machines removed and it has been illegal to sell tobacco products close to schools since February 2005.

Cyprus

On 9 July 2009 Cyprus passed a new law, tightening up ineffective 2002 legislation, that will ban smoking in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and workplaces effective 1 January 2010. Since the introduction of the smoking ban on the 1 January 2010, compliance levels have been very encouraging. A spokesman for the restaurant & bar owners however have complained that the introduction of the smoking ban has led to a sharp drop in revenue but produced no evidence to support statement.

Czech Republic

The second German anti-tobacco organization, the Bund Deutscher Tabakgegner (Federation of German Tobacco Opponents), was established in 1910 in Trautenau, Bohemia. In 1920, a Bund Deutscher Tabakgegner in der Tschechoslowakei (Federation of German Tobacco Opponents in Czechoslovakia) was formed in Prague, after Czechoslovakia was separated from Austria at the end of World War I. The Nazi authorities implemented a severe ban on medicine and tobacco in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Currently, there is a law in force that bans smoking in all public places such as institutions, hospitals, bus stops and other public service stops, but not in restaurants, bars and clubs. In June 2009 the parliament approved a bill regulating smoking in public places. The only change is that bars and restaurants where smoking is allowed should have a sign posted.

Denmark

Since 15 August 2007, smoking in hospitality facilities, restaurants, bars, clubs, public transport, and all private and public workplaces has been banned. Exemptions to the law are bars with a floor space less than 40 m² and offices only used by a single employee. Separate smoking rooms are allowed in hospitality facilities as long as no food or beverage is served there. The law has caused much controversy and is as of November 2007 not fully enforced.

Ecuador

Main article: Smoking in Ecuador

Smoking is more common among men and younger people in Ecuador. Smoking is common in bars and dance clubs, but non-smoking signs in restaurants in Quito are generally respected.

Estonia

Smoking has been banned within indoor public areas and workplaces since 4 June 2005, except in restaurants. Later a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs started on 5 June 2007 (however still allowed in isolated smoking rooms).

Faroe Islands

Smoking banned in all enclosed public spaces since 1 July 2008.

Finland

Main article: Smoking in Finland

Smoking has been banned in indoor public areas and workplaces from 1 March 1995, except in specially designated smoking rooms; restaurants were included in 2007. Legislation aimed towards voluntary prevention of secondary smoking was enacted, but it was not successful. Few establishments installed ventilation systems capable of eliminating secondhand smoke. Dividing a restaurant into a smoking and non-smoking section was also an ineffective measure. Thus, smoking has been banned in all indoor public and workplaces, including bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants from 1 June 2007, except in those places which have been permitted a transition period of up to two years. Smoking in bars and trains is still allowed in enclosed smoking booths, where you can't serve or take any food or drink. Many smaller bars have not been able to build such smoking booths and patrons have to smoke outside. The bans are respected by the general population.

As of early 2010, Finland plans to phase out smoking completely.

France

Smoking is now banned in all public places (stations, museums, etc.); an exception exists for special smoking rooms fulfilling strict conditions, see below. However, a special exemption was made for cafés and restaurants, clubs, casinos, bars, etc. until 1 January 2008, although the French government allowed a day of reflection on New Year's Day. Opinion polls suggest 70% of people support the ban. However, a recent story by Time Magazine suggests that smokers are now blatantly ignoring the smoking ban due to low enforcement.

Under the new regulations, smoking rooms are allowed, but are subjected to very strict conditions: they may occupy at most 20% of the total floor space of the establishment and their size may not be more than 35 m²; they need to be equipped with separate ventilation which replaces the full volume of air ten times per hour; the air pressure of the smoking room must constantly be lower than the pressure in the contiguous rooms; they must have doors that close automatically; no service can be provided in the smoking rooms; and cleaning and maintenance personnel may enter the room only one hour after it was last used for smoking.

Previously, under the former implementation rules of the 1991 Évin law, restaurants, cafés etc. just had to provide smoking and non-smoking sections, which in practice were often not well separated. In larger establishments, smoking and non-smoking sections could be separate rooms, but often they were just areas within the same room.

A legal challenge against the new regulations was filed before the Conseil d'État in 2007, but was rejected.

Germany

Main article: Smoking in Germany

With some of Europe's highest smoking rates, Germany's patchwork of smoking bans continues to be contested.

In February, 2009, Der Spiegel reported that the smoking bans in bars are being very weakly controlled by the authorities, and in many places the ban is not observed at all.

Greece

Royal decree of 1856, introducing the first ban on smoking in modern Greece. Prohibition was valid only within state buildings and was grounded on the need to prevent accidents.

As of 2010, Greece is the country with the highest rate of tobacco consumption (more than 40%) in the European Union. Since older legislation was not very efficient a new, stricter law was passed. Effective from 1 September 2010, this law bans smoking and consumption of tobacco products by other means, in all working places, transportation stations, in taxis and passenger ships (in trains, buses and airplanes smoking is already prohibited), as well as in all enclosed public places including restaurants, night clubs, etc., without any exception. Casinos and bars bigger than 300 sq m will be given eight months to apply the law. Smoking is also prohibited in atria and internal areas with removable roofcovers or tents as well as in external seating areas that are surrounded by a tent and are not open from at least two sides. Fines are particularly heavy for smokers who do not comply (fines range from 50 to 500 Euros) as well as for the working places or companies, i.e. restaurants, night clubs, pubs, etc. (fines range from 500 to 10,000 Euros). For those companies that violate the law for the 5th time in a row, the law orders for the closure of the specific company.

A special website (www.smokestop.gov.gr) and a telephone hotline for information as well as citizens to report any violations of the new law (tel: 1142) along with an extensive media campaign have been created to promote the September 1st smoking ban in Greece. The government has signed an agreement with Harvard University the help in developing the government’s anti-tobacco policies and mounting publicity campaigns. The Harvard School of Public Health will also help Greece conduct research, organize conferences and train all the officials who will be involved in imposing the ban. They will also help develop strategies to foster an anti-smoking culture, particularly among children.

The only exception to the law are airports. There, smoking is only permitted in special separated smoking booths equipped with separate ventilation systems and air filters. Currently only the Athens International Airport has installed such booths: one in the extra-Schengen arrival area before passport control and one in the intra-Schengen baggage claim area, both smoking booths are accessible only to arriving passengers. In all other Greek airports no smoking booths have been installed and smoking is totally prohibited inside terminal buildings.

Guatemala

Complete ban: Smoke-free legislation covering all types of places and institutions. Smoke-free in health-care facilities and governmental facilities

Guernsey

Smoking bans were introduced at different times in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a British Crown dependency. Smoking was banned in all public places in the island of Guernsey, including workplaces, bars, clubs and restaurants, on 2 July 2006, under the "Smoking (Prohibition in Public Places and Workplaces) (Guernsey) Law 2005". Anyone who breaks the law, upon conviction, could be fined up to the maximum of £1000 (~€1150, ~$1470). Smoking is allowed anywhere outside and in whatever company.

In Alderney, the States of Alderney passed anti-smoking legislation with the President's casting vote on 13 January 2010; the legislation came into force at 4 a.m. on 1 June 2010.

Smoking in indoor public places remains legal in Sark.

Hong Kong

Main article: Smoking in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has seen all public smoking banned from 1 January 2007 under the government's revised Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), first enacted in 1982 with several amendments subsequently. The latest amendment enlarges the smoking ban to include indoor workplaces, most public places including restaurants, Internet cafés, public lavatories, beaches and most public parks. Some bars, karaoke parlors, saunas and nightclubs were exempt until 1 July 2009. Smoking bans in lifts, public transport, cinemas, concert halls, airport terminal and escalators had been phased in between 1982 and 1997. The ban in shopping centres, department stores, supermarkets, banks, game arcades has been in place since July 1998.

An anomaly to the smoking ban is on cross-border trains between Hong Kong and Mainland China as they are operated jointly between MTR Corporation and the Chinese Railways, of whom the latter allows smoking in the restaurant car and in the vestibules at the end of the cars, but not in the seating area.

Any person who smokes or carries a lighted tobacco product in a statutory no smoking area commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of HK$5,000. Unlike many other jurisdictions, Hong Kong does not place the onus on licensees of liquor licensed premises to enforce smoking bans with subsequent loss of licence for non compliance. A new law, that was to enter into force in September 2009, provides for fixed-penalty arrangement (HK$1,500) for smoking, on a par with that for littering. At the same time smoking will be banned in designated public transport interchanges, but the government has yet to clarify how it will enforce this against non Hong Kong ID card holders and tourists, since the offender has 21 days after the ticket issue to pay up.

The overall daily smoking rate in Hong Kong is 11.8% (HK Department of Census and Statistics Household Thematic Survey 36) with 25% of males smoking whereas in China 63% of males smoke.

The government has mentioned a full-ban of tobacco import and smoking is technically possible in Hong Kong upon the release of the budget in 2009. However, as the decreasing daily smoking rate in recent years mainly due to increasing tobacco tax, the government currently has no further plans to control sales of tobacco other than by adjusting taxation.

Hungary

Smoking has been banned for several years on public transport, hospitals, airports and in public and federal buildings, including the Parliament. From 2010, a smoking ban is effective on playgrounds and underpasses. From 2011, it is also effective in all Budapest public transport stops. In 2009, a proposal to ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants, bars, etc., was placed on hold due to lobby groups. However, many restaurants and bars throughout the country elect to be smoke-free.

Iceland

Main article: Smoking in Iceland

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products is banned in most public spaces in Iceland. This includes all enclosed spaces in common ownership, all public land intended for use by children, all public transport and all services; including restaurants, bars, clubs and cafés.

India

A nationwide ban on smoking at the workplace and in restaurants, hotels, pubs, public transport (buses, trains and metros), airports and railway stations, educational institutions, cafes, theatres and other public places came into effect from 2 October 2008. Smoking in open areas like roads, parks, etc. and inside one's home and car is however allowed. Smoking is also permitted in restaurants, bars and pubs having designated separate smoking areas. Anybody violating this law will be charged with a fine of Rs 200(INR). Advertising of tobacco products had already been prohibited nationwide by an earlier law.

In 2007, Chandigarh became the first city in India to become 'smoke-free'. However despite there being some difficulties and apathy by the authorities the Smoke-Free Chandigarh ban has been a success story. Taking a cue from the Chandigarh's success, cities like Shimla also followed the Smoke-Free Chandigarh model to become smoke-free. The success of Chandigarh had been widely recognised and the architect of smoke-free Chandigarh Hemant Goswami. was also awarded the Global Smoke-Free Partnership Award for the initiative. The state of Kerala also had implemented a more relaxed ban on public smoking earlier though it was never properly followed. However since the nationwide ban, it is being enforced more strictly.

Indonesia

In Jakarta's restaurants, hotels, office buildings, airports and public transport, and overall public areas smoking is banned. Restaurants which want to allow smoking have to provide a separate smoking space starting 4 February 2006. As in many Asian nations, it remains to be seen whether it can be enforced. Building separate facilities for smokers had only taken place in half of establishments by June 2007.

Ireland

Main article: Smoking in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to institute an outright ban on smoking in workplaces on 29 March 2004. Before the total ban, smoking had already been outlawed in public buildings, hospitals, schools, restaurant kitchens, and on aircrafts and some trains (Intercity trains provided smokers' carriages).

On 1 July 2009, Ireland banned in-store tobacco advertising and displays of tobacco products at retail outlets and new controls on tobacco vending machines.

Isle of Man

The Isle of Man was the last part of the British Isles to introduce a smoking ban, save for the Crown dependencies of Sark, where it remains legal, and Alderney which brought in a smoking ban in 2010. The ban is similar to the one introduced in England. The ban came into effect on 30 March 2008.

The smoking ban also saw Europe's first smoke-free prison.

Israel

In Israel, it is forbidden to smoke in public closed places since 1983. The law was amended in 2007 so that owners are held accountable for smoking in premises under their responsibility. The ban includes cafés, restaurants discos, pubs and bars, and it is illegal for owners of such places to put ashtrays anywhere inside closed spaces. Also, owners of public places must put "no smoking" signs and prevent visitors from smoking. They can also designate a well-ventilated and completely separate area for smokers, as long as the non-smokers' area does not fall below 75% of the whole area. The fine for owners of public places is ₪ 10,000 (around US$2,800) and for smokers - ₪ 5000. In spite of this, the smoking bans in Israel are not effective and smoking remains extremely prevalent in public places, especially bars and clubs.

Italy

Main article: Smoking in Italy

Italy was the fourth country in the world to enact a nationwide smoking ban. Since 10 January 2005 it is forbidden to smoke in all public indoor spaces, including bars, cafés, restaurants and discos. However, special smoking rooms are allowed. In such areas food can be served, but they are subjected to strict conditions: they need to be separately ventilated, with high air replacement rates; their air pressure must constantly be lower than the pressure in the surrounding rooms; they must be equipped with automatic sliding doors to prevent smoke from spreading to tobacco-free areas; they may occupy at most 50% of the establishment. Only 1% of all public establishments have opted for setting up a smoking room. Smoking is also forbidden in all enclosed workplaces - this includes also trains and underground stations. It is indeed allowed to smoke outdoors, which means that since Italy has sunny weather more than half of the year, people can still smoke at restaurants and bars as long as they sit on the outside tables and people still smoke there.

Japan

Main article: Smoking in Japan

Although there are no consistent nationwide smoking bans in Japan and all moves to introduce such laws are strongly opposed by the powerful lobby groups, there are a growing number of local ordinances banning smoking. Smoking is forbidden on the streets of the Chiyoda, Shinagawa, Shinjuku and Nakano wards of Tokyo for reasons of child safety (not health). Smoking is banned on most public transport and on many train station platforms, however enforcement mechanisms such as fines remain absent. Kanagawa Prefecture has implemented in April 2010 the nation's first prefecture-wide smoking ban, banning smoking in public facilities, including hospitals, schools and government offices. The ordinance requires large restaurants and hotels to choose whether to become nonsmoking or create separate smoking areas, while mah-jong and pachinko parlors, restaurants with floor space of up to 100 sq. meters and hotels of up to 700 sq. meters are merely required to "make efforts" to prevent passive smoking. Another Kanagawa ordinance last month to ban smoking at swimming beaches expected to be implemented in May 2010. Although still relatively few, there is a growing number of private businesses implementing smoking bans in restaurants, taxis, buildings and bars.

Jersey

Smoking is restricted in public places in Jersey (a British Crown dependency).

The Restriction on Smoking (Jersey) Law 1973 enabled the States of Jersey to pass regulations prohibiting or restricting smoking in places of entertainment and public transport. In pursuance of this law, smoking was banned on public transport by the Smoking (Public Transport) (Jersey) Regulations 1982.

The Restriction on Smoking (Jersey) Law 1973 was amended by the Restriction on Smoking (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 2006 adopted 16 May 2006 which enabled the States to make regulations to prohibit or restrict smoking tobacco or a substance (or a mixture of substances) other than tobacco, or the use of tobacco, in a workplace or other defined places.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan partially banned smoking in public places on 1 April 2003. A full ban was instituted in September 2009. Enforcing the smoking ban appears to be somewhat problematic as far as public bus services are concerned. While smoking by passengers on the public bus services was never an issue, bus operators on duty were being consistently reported as smoking inside the bus vehicles and persistently ignoring requests by the passengers not to do so.

Kenya

Smoking in public indoor areas is banned in Nairobi, Kenya, since July 2007. Small private bars will be exempted. Mombasa already has a similar preexisting ban on smoking.

Latvia

As of May 1, 2010, smoking has been completely banned in restaurants and bars. Previously non-smoking area had to be larger than half of the total area. Smoking is also banned in parks and ten meters around governmental institutions, schools and public transportation stops. Smoking on public transportation, except for ferries, is also forbidden.

Lithuania

Smoking has been banned in restaurants, bars, places where food is served, clubs (except for special cigar and pipe clubs), and nightclubs since 1 January 2007. Furthermore, smoking on public transportation is forbidden except on long-distance trains with special facilities. The ban is well respected, at least in the main cities.

Luxembourg

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, like hospitals, shopping centres, schools and restaurants. However, cafés and bars that only serve snacks are exempt from the law. There is a smoking prohibition from 12 noon to 14:00h and 19:00h to 21:00h in cafés in which meals are served.

Macedonia

Macedonia has a strong national smoking ban in all public indoor areas, and in some cases in outdoor areas. Smoking is banned in bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs starting 1 January 2010. Smoking is not banned only in people's homes, at open spaces and public areas free of sporting competitions, cultural and entertainment events, gatherings and other public events.

Madagascar

By official law, smoking is prohibited in taxi-brousses, but it is not enforced. The only places where they banned smoking is at Antananarivo International Airport and on Air Madagascar flights. It is also prohibited to smoke in the pubs and clubs.

Malta

In April 2004, smoking was banned in all enclosed public spaces, including public transportation, clubs and restaurants, although smoking areas are allowed.

Malaysia

In all, 21 areas are banned, including hospitals/clinics, airports, public lifts and toilets, air-conditioned restaurants, public transport, government premises, educational institutions, petrol stations, Internet cafes, shopping complexes and private office spaces with central air-conditioning. However, enforcement is an issue, and the government plans to get tougher on offenders.

Starting 1 June 2010, it is an offence to smoke at private office spaces with central air-conditioning. People who violate the rules can be fined up to RM10,000 (US$3,333), or two years of imprisonment.

Mexico

Smoking in hospitals and airports has been banned for at least 15 years. Smoking is allowed in designated areas at the Cancun Airport. Mexico City's current smoking policy, passed in April 2004, requires physically separate smoking and non-smoking areas, and for non-smoking areas to make up at least 30% of all space in restaurants and bars. A proposal debated early in 2007 to extend Mexico City's smoking policy into a complete ban for all restaurants, bars, schools, taxis, and buses, did not pass. It was proposed again in the middle of 2007.

Since April 2008 the law has covered Mexico City, and since 28 August 2008 the law has been extended nationwide.

Advertisement of tobacco products has been banned from TV and radio for roughly 6 years.

Monaco

There has been a ban on smoking in Monaco since 1 November 2008, but does not extend to bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Montenegro

Smoking in public places is banned in Montenegro. The ban also forbids smoking advertising and the display of people smoking on television.

Morocco

Morocco's House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill banning smoking in public places.

Mozambique

Since 2007, smoking has been banned in indoor public places including public transport, government buildings, schools, hospitals, libraries, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and bars, with the exception of specially designated smoking rooms.

Namibia

On October 8, 2009, the Namibian National Assembly adopted the Tobacco Products Control Bill, one of the most comprehensive smoking bans in the world. The law, once in force will ban "the smoking of tobacco in a public place, any outdoor public place or any area within a certain distance of a window, ventilation inlet, door or entrance".

The bill was voted into law on 16 February 2010

Netherlands

Smoking of tobacco is prohibited by law in all public buildings and in public transport. As of 1 January 2004 every employee has the right to work in a smoke-free environment. Tobacco legislation states that employers are obliged to take measures to ensure that employees are able to carry out their work without being bothered or affected by smoke from others. On 1 January 2008 Amsterdam Airport Schiphol became the first European airport with a total smoking ban, however since August 2008 it has been allowed in the designated smoking rooms. Since 1 July 2008 the smoking ban has also applied to all hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes in The Netherlands. Separate smoking rooms are allowed in hospitality facilities as long as no food or beverage is served there. All forms of tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship are prohibited. Smoking of cannabis (marijuana and hashish) in coffee-shops is permitted as long as it is not mixed with tobacco. In 2010 the new government spoke out against the smoking ban in small catering businesses. The ban was widely ignored with statistics showing that around 41% of bars and discos had flouted the law. On 3 November 2010 the new government lifted the ban for bars of 70 square metres or less which did not employ any staff other than the owner. Around 3,000 of the 5,500 bars in The Netherlands are staffed by the owner alone.

New Zealand

Main article: Tobacco in New Zealand

The first building in the world to have a smoke-free policy was the Old Government Building in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1876. This was over concerns about the threat of fire, as it is the second largest wooden building in the world.

New Zealand passed an amendment to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 law on 3 December 2003 (effective in 2004) which covers all indoor public workplaces and inside hospitality venues (pubs, bars, restaurants and casinos). Studies have shown very high levels of compliance with the law. Also the air quality inside hospitality venues is very good compared to similar settings in other countries where smoking is still permitted. In New Zealand, tobacco cannot be sold to anyone under 18.

Outdoor smoke-free laws cover the grounds of all schools, the grounds of some hospitals, stadiums and two university campuses (Massey University, and the University of Auckland, in 2010). The government has not moved to restrict smoking in cars but has run mass media campaigns that promote smoke-free cars and homes.

There are also increasing numbers of local councils implementing educative smokefree policies. South Taranaki District Council was the first. In May 2005 the Council made its playgrounds, parks and swimming pools smokefree, as well as ensuring that all Council events held in South Taranaki parks were to be promoted as smoke-free events. At least 20 of New Zealand's other Councils have followed suit. (Source: www.smokefreecouncils.org.nz).

On 5 September 2007, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) New Zealand called for the removal of tobacco from sale by 2017.

From the start of the first semester of 2010, New Zealand's largest university, the University of Auckland, banned smoking on any of its property including inside and outside of buildings in areas that were once designated smoking areas. The university sprawls through most of Symonds Street and is the largest private complex in Auckland CBD.

See Smoke-free Environments Act 1990.

Niger

A decree banning smoking in public places in Niger was issued in September 2008. Fines range from 5,000 to 1 million CFA francs, whilst there is also the possibility of a prison term.

Nigeria

Main article: Smoking in Nigeria

Smoking is prohibited in public places in Lagos, Nigeria, and is punishable by a fine of not less than N200 and not exceeding N1000 or to imprisonment to a term of not less than one month and not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Norway

In Norway, smoking has been banned in public buildings, workplaces and public transportation since 1988. Since 1 June 2004, smoking is also banned in restaurants, bars, cafes, etc.

Palestinian Authority

In 2010 the Hamas-led Islamist government of Gaza imposed a ban on women smoking nargilas in public. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry explained that "It is inappropriate for a woman to sit cross-legged and smoke in public. It harms the image of our people." The ban was soon lifted and women returned to smoking in popular venues like the cafe of Gaza's Crazy Water Park. The Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Gaza Strip) has arrested women for smoking in public. The park was burned down by masked men in September 2010, after being closed by the Hamas.

Paraguay

Effective April 2010, Paraguay has banned smoking in all indoor areas including bars and restaurants.

Pakistan

The Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance-2002 came into effect on 30 June 2003. The law had the following aspects: Ban on tobacco use in public buildings and transportation, limiting tobacco advertising, banning tobacco sale within 50 meters from educational institutions, and requiring “no smoking” signs displayed in public places.

Peru

In Peru, it is nominally illegal to smoke in any public place (indoors), according to Law 28704. The ban is normally not enforced.

Philippines

Davao has banned smoking in a large number of public places, including public buildings, entertainment venues, hospitals, shopping malls, concerts since 2002. Smoking at gasoline stations is also banned.

Manila has banned smoking in large public areas like hospitals, malls, public transport, as well as Makati in 2002 Ordinance 2002-090, banning all public transport and enclosed indoor smoking.

Caloocan has begun to established ordinance recently concerning about the anti-smoking bans in accordance with the Republic Act No. 9211 also known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Poland

Smoking is banned in schools, hospitals or other medical facilities and public transport (including the vehicles such as train or bus and bus stops, train stations, etc.).

Since 15 November 2010, it is forbidden to smoke in all public indoor spaces, including bars, cafés, restaurants and discos, though enclosed smoking areas within larger facilities are permitted, and smaller establishments will have the option of allowing smoking.

Portugal

On 3 May 2007, the Portuguese parliament made a law banning smoking in all public places, except when proper air-ventilation systems are provided. It went into effect 1 January 2008. Smokers who break the law face a fine of up to €1000 (~US$1300) and establishments that break the law will face a fine of up to €2500 (~US$3400). The legal age to purchase tobacco is 18.

Puerto Rico

The Law Num. 40 from 1993, the Law to Regulate the Smoking Practice in Public Places, and its later 1996 amendment Law 133, regulate smoking in private and public places. The most recent modification established in [2 March 2007], Law 66, amended articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 11 of Law Num. 40, forbids this practice inside jails, pubs, restaurants (including open-air terraces with one or more employees), bars, casinos, workplaces, educational institutions, cars with children under age 13 and most public places. Smoking sections are not allowed. Fines start at $250.

Qatar

The capital of Qatar, Doha, banned smoking in public or closed areas in 2002. The law discouraged shopkeepers from selling to under-aged people and completely banned tobacco advertisements in the country and punished violaters with hefty fines. However, the law is openly flouted especially by the youth.

Russia

Russia does not yet have a smoking ban in force, however there is some proposed legislation in the Duma. The legislation, passed by the State Duma 406-0, bans smoking in workplaces, on aircraft, trains and municipal transport as well as in schools, hospitals, cultural institutions and government buildings. It requires specially designated smoking areas to be set up and also requires restaurants and cafes to set up no-smoking areas. Russia's no smoking bill must go through two more readings in the Duma before being sent to the Federation Council for approval and to President Dmitry Medvedev for his signature.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has almost no restrictions against smoking. However, on 20 June 2010, the Council of Ministers urged the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to ban smoking at all airports and their facilities in the Kingdom on Monday. It also advised GACA to impose a fine of SR200 on people who violate the new regulations.

Singapore

Main article: Smoking in Singapore

A sign in Singapore to indicate that smoking is allowed

Smoking was banned in hawker centres, coffee-shops, cafes and fast-food outlets beginning 1 July 2006. For establishments with an outdoor area, 10-20% of the area can be set aside for smoking, although they would have to be clearly marked to avoid confusion. Gradually, the ban has been extended to bus interchanges and shelters, public toilets and public swimming complexes.

On 1 July 2007, the ban was extended to entertainment nightspots. The rule allows for the construction of designated smoking rooms which can take up to 10% of the total indoor space.

On 1 January 2009, the ban was extended to all children's playgrounds, exercise areas, markets, underground and multi-storey carparks, ferry terminals and jetties. It was also extended to non-air conditioned areas in offices, factories, shops, shopping complexes and lift lobbies.

Smokers found flouting the rules are fined S$200 while the owners of the establishments are fined S$200 and S$500 for a subsequent offence.

On 22 November 2010, the Towards Tobacco-Free Singapore online campaign was launched to support the initiative to phase out tobacco in Singapore by preventing the supply of tobacco to Singaporeans born from the year 2000. The initiative was put forward by a team consisting of a lung cancer surgeon, medical officers, a university professor and a civil servant. The proposal has received strong public support and has attracted media interest. Link to Section on Proposed ban in Singapore

Serbia

In Serbia, as of November 2010 smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces including entertainment and restaurants, bars, internet cafes, which have to designate a special room for smoking to be allowed. The ban is obligatory for all hospitals, media houses and theaters, but mainly not enforced.

Slovenia

On 22 June 2007, the Slovenian National Assembly approved a law prohibiting smoking in all indoor public and work places, effective 5 August 2007. Exempted from the ban are "open public areas, special smoking hotel rooms, special smoking areas in elderly care centres and jails, and special smoking chambers in bars and other work places. The smoking chambers, which will have to meet strict technical standards, will however not be allowed to occupy more than 20% of an establishment." The law also raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 15 to 18 and mandated that tobacco labels carry the telephone number of a quit-smoking hotline.

South Africa

The South African government passed the first Tobacco Products Control Act in 1993 and started implementing the act in 1995. The act regulated smoking in public areas and prohibited tobacco sales to people under the age of 16. Some aspects of tobacco advertising were also regulated for example labelling. The 1993 act was not considered to be comprehensive enough and the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act was passed in 1999. This act bans all advertising and promotion of tobacco products, including sponsorship and free distribution of tobacco products. The act also restricts smoking in public places which includes the workplace, restaurants and bars and public transport. The act also stipulates penalties for transgressors of the law, and specifies the maximum permissible levels of tar and nicotine. The regulations were implemented in 2001.

The government proposed further amendments to the bill in 2007 which will seek to deal with new practices designed to circumvent the provisions of the Act. These amendments will also aim to bring the current law into compliance with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This framework has been ratified by the South African government.

The South African government is currently looking at increasing the minimum legal age for smokers to 18.

Spain

From 2006 to 2010, Spain had a partial ban on smoking in public places. Offices, schools, hospitals and public transportation were smoke-free, but restaurants and bars could create a "smokers section" or allow smoking if they were small (under 100m2). .

After 2 January 2011, smoking is banned in every indoors public place, including restaurants, bars and cafes. Hotels may have 30% of smoking rooms; mental hospitals, jails and old people's residences may have public rooms where workers can not enter. Outdoor smoking is also banned in childcare facilities and around schools and hospital facilities.

Sweden

In Sweden, smoking was banned in restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs in June 2005. Smoking rooms are, however, allowed in these institutions. The smoking rooms contains a few restrictions; no serving or consumption of food or beverages are allowed in the smoking rooms and it may not cover more than 25% of the institution's total area. The ban was very popular amongst the population and even the industries affected. In January 2008, The Swedish Prison and Probation Service banned smoking indoors in prisons.

Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Assembly enacted a law for the protection against passive smoking in 2008, which came into force on 1 May 2010. It prohibits smoking in enclosed, publicly accessible areas and in rooms that are workplaces for several persons. There are exceptions for bars and restaurants, which may allow smoking in separate, ventilated rooms or in establishments smaller than 80 square meters, but the federal statute allows for more stringent cantonal smoking bans.

Until the ban came into force, each canton determined its own smoking laws. As of June 2009, all cantons, with the exception of Zurich, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Glarus, Jura, Obwalden and Schaffhausen, have banned smoking in enclosed public areas (although restaurants are exempt in Lucerne and Nidwalden). The details of the restrictions vary somewhat, and in several cantons the bans will not enter into force until some time between 2009 and 2012. The ban in Geneva came into force on 31 October 2009.

Syria

Main article: Smoking in Syria

Smoking is banned inside cafes, restaurants and other public spaces by a presidential decree issued on 12 October 2009 and came in to force on 21 April 2010. Syria was the first Arab country to introduce such a ban. The decree also outlaws smoking in educational institutions, health centres, sports halls, cinemas and theatres and on public transport. The restrictions include the nargile, or waterpipe. According to the official news agency SANA, fines for violating the ban range from 500 to 100,000 Syrian pounds (US$11 to $2,169).

A decree in 1996 banned tobacco advertising while a 2006 law outlawed smoking on public transport and in some public places, introducing fines for offenders. Under-18s are not allowed to buy tobacco.

Taiwan

Main article: Smoking in Taiwan

Smoking is regulated by the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (Taiwan), promulgated on 11 July 2007.

Thailand

Indoor smoking ban effective in all indoor air conditioned establishments throughout Thailand since November 2002, with entertainment areas exempted. Cigarettes have graphic pictures since 2005, and advertising is banned. Enforcement and compliance have been strong.

On 10 January 2008, Thailand announced that smoking would be banned in restaurants, bars, and open-air markets effective 10 February 2008. In addition to fines, those who fail to comply may be arrested. Most legal bars comply with these regulations, but in establishments that operate illegally or semi-legally the bans are mostly disregarded.

Turkey

Main article: Smoking in Turkey

Turkey currently bans smoking in government offices, workplaces, bars, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and all forms of public transport, including trains, taxis and ferries. Turkey's smoking ban includes provisions for violators, where anyone caught smoking in a designated smoke-free area faces a fine of 69 liras (~€32/$45/£28) and bar owners who fail to enforce the ban could be fined from 560 liras for a first offence up to 5,600 liras.

Smoking was first banned in 1997 in public buildings with more than four workers, as well as planes and public buses.

On 3 January 2008, Turkey passed a law banning smoking in all indoor spaces including bars, cafés and restaurants. It also bans smoking in sports stadia, and the gardens of mosques and hospitals. The smoking ban came into force on 19 May 2008; however, bars, restaurants and cafes were exempted until mid-July 2009. On 19 July 2009, Turkey extended the indoor public smoking ban to include bars, restaurants, village coffeehouses and nargile (hookah) bars.

Uganda

In March 2004, smoking was banned in public places, including workplaces, restaurants and bars. An extension to private homes is being considered.

United Arab Emirates

Emirates in the United Arab Emirates recently started banning smoking in shopping malls and public places. States leading the ban on smoking include Abu Dhabi , Ajman , Dubai and Sharjah.

United Kingdom

Since 1 July 2007 smoking bans have been in effect across the whole of the UK. Smoking bans were introduced in each country of the United Kingdom separately as decided by the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the UK Parliament acting for England. For details, see (in chronological order of bans): Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

England

Main articles: Smoking ban in England and Health Act 2006

Smoking became banned in indoor public places in England, including workplaces, bars, clubs and restaurants, from 1 July 2007. Some places, such as certain smoking hotel rooms, nursing homes, prisons, submarines, offshore oil rigs, and stages/television sets (if needed for the performance) are excluded. Palaces were also excluded, although members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords agreed to ban all smoking in the Palace of Westminster. The on-the-spot fine for smoking in a workplace is £50 (~€70/~$100), £30 (~€45/~$60) if one pays within 15 days, while a business that allows it can be fined £2,500 (~€3,700/~$5,000). Smoking will be allowed to continue anywhere outdoors. However, a confidential government briefing obtained by The Independent on Sunday newspaper reveals that provisions are in place for extending the ban to outdoor areas.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, a smoking ban has been in effect since 30 April 2007. It is illegal to smoke in all enclosed workplaces. This includes bars, restaurants, offices (even if the smoker is the only person in the office) and public buildings. Like Scotland, the smoking ban is more comprehensive in that places, such as phone boxes and enclosed bus/train shelters are included. The on-the-spot fine for smoking in a workplace is £50 (~€70/~$100), while a business that allows it can be fined £2,500 (~€3,700/~$5,000).

A £200 fine may be levied by local councils if businesses fail to show signs. An opinion poll showed that 91% of people supported the ban.

Scotland

Main article: Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005

On 26 March 2006, Scotland prohibited smoking in enclosed (more than 50% covered) public places, which includes public buildings, workplaces, sports stadiums, bars and restaurants. Exemptions are in place to allow hotel guests to smoke in their own rooms, as long as the hotel has designated them as smoking rooms. The law also bans smoking in bus shelters, phone boxes or other shelters that are more than 50% enclosed. It also prohibits smoking in trucks and vans which are owned by a company whether or not the driver is the only person inside. Businesses covered by the smoking ban must display a statutory smoking sign at the entrance to, and around the building as well as a Smoke-Free policy. Opinion polls at its introduction showed a clear majority of the Scottish public were in favour of the ban

As in New Zealand, the ban was initially criticised by certain interested groups (e.g., publicans, cafe and bingo hall owners, etc.) who feared that it would adversely impact their businesses. A survey published by the Scottish Beer & Pubs Association one year on from the ban concluded that "the number of pub licensed premises in Scotland has remained more or less constant over the last year" indicating fears of an adverse impact of the ban on the hospitality industry were unfounded. Widespread concerns prior to the ban about its impact on bingo halls prove harder to objectively assess: As at May 2008 there is anecdotal evidence to suggest an increase in closures of bingo halls since implementation of the ban. However, no statistical analysis has been conducted and speculation within the betting and gaming industry is that a decline could also be the result of demographic changes and increases in online gaming.

The NHS Scotland Quit Smoking Line reported it received an additional 50,000 calls from people wishing to give up in the six months after the ban was introduced. In September 2007 a study of nine Scottish hospitals over the twelve months following the ban reported positively on its impact on the country's health, including a 17% drop in admissions for heart attacks, compared with average reductions of 3% per year for the previous decade.

Wales

Main article: Health Act 2006

Smoking was banned across all enclosed public premises and work premises in Wales on 2 April 2007. Adherence is widespread and public houses report increases in takings since the ban came into place. However, six months after the ban's implementation, the Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA), which represents pub operators across Wales, claims that pubs have lost up to 20% of their trade. The LVA says some businesses are on the brink of closure, others have already closed down, and there is little optimism that trade will eventually return to pre-ban levels.

Public places must display a special bilingual no smoking sign:

• "Mae ysmygu yn y fangre hon yn erbyn y gyfraith" (Welsh)
• "It is against the law to smoke in these premises" (English)

United Nations

As United Nations buildings are not the subject of any national jurisdiction, the United Nations has its own smoking and non-smoking policies. Following the gradual introduction of partial smoking bans between 1985 and 2003, Secretary-General Kofi Annan introduced in 2003 a total ban on smoking at United Nations Headquarters. Similar bans have not been introduced in field offices of the United Nations worldwide.

Some specialized agencies of the United Nations, such as the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization have their own strict smoking bans which apply to their offices worldwide, but the same is not necessarily true for entities of the Secretariat, such as the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Only on 13 December 2007, OCHA introduced a smoking ban applicable to all its field offices.

United States

Main article: List of smoking bans in the United States

In the United States, Congress has not attempted to enact any nationwide federal smoking ban. Therefore, smoking bans in the United States are entirely a product of state and local criminal and occupational safety and health laws. As a result, the existence and aggressiveness of smoking bans varies widely throughout the United States, ranging from total smoking bans (even outdoors), to no regulation of smoking at all. Jurisdictions in the greater South tend to have the least restrictive smoking bans or no statewide smoking bans at all, while most of the rest of the country now has statewide bans on smoking in bars, restaurants and other workplaces.

According to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, as of October 2009, 71% of the U.S. population lives under a ban on smoking in "workplaces, and/or restaurants, and/or bars, by either a state, commonwealth, or local law," though only 41.2% live under bans in all workplaces and restaurants and bars.

As of November 2010, 27 states have enacted smoking bans in all general workplaces and public places, including bars and restaurants (though many of these exempt tobacconists, cigar bars, casinos, and/or private clubs). Seven have enacted smoking bans that exclude all adult venues such as bars (and casinos where applicable). Georgia, Idaho, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Virginia have particularized state laws banning smoking in specific places but leaving out all others. The remaining 11 states have no statewide smoking ban at all, though many cities and/or counties in most of those states have enacted local smoking bans to varying degrees (though Oklahoma prohibits local governments from passing smoking laws at all).

As for U.S. jurisdictions that are not states, smoking is banned in all public places (including bars and restaurants) in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Guam prohibits smoking in restaurants, but the ban does not extend to workplaces or any other businesses. American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands have no smoking bans.

Uruguay

Main article: Smoking in Uruguay

In March 2006, it became illegal in Uruguay to smoke in enclosed public spaces. Now bars, restaurants or offices where people are caught smoking face fines of more than $1,100 or a three-day closure. This makes Uruguay the first country in South America to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces.

Anti-smoking groups estimate that as many as a third of Uruguay's 3.4 million people smoke. President Tabaré Vázquez, a practicing oncologist, has cited reports suggesting about seven people die each day in Uruguay (an estimated 5,000 people a year) from smoking-related causes including lung cancer, emphysema and other illnesses.

Vatican City

On 1 July 2002 a law signed by Pope John Paul II became effective which banned smoking on all places accessible to the public and in all closed places of work within the Vatican City and within all extraterritorial properties of the Holy See. Smoking bans in museums, libraries and churches on Vatican territory were already in force before that date for a long time.

Vietnam

The Vietnamese government has banned smoking and cigarette sales in offices, production facilities, schools, hospitals, and on public transport nationwide Smoking was banned in enclosed indoor spaces and public facilities in Ho Chi Minh City in 2005 with the exception of entertainment areas.

A ban has also been imposed on all forms of advertisement, trade promotion, and sponsorship by tobacco companies, as well as cigarette sales through vending machines, or over the telephone and on the Internet.

Zambia

Smoking is prohibited in public places in Zambia and is punishable by a fine of K400,000 or imprisonment of up to two years.

Specific restrictions

Outdoor smoking bans

• It is illegal to smoke on a bus or in a bus shelter in Ireland. It was also the first country in the world to impose a ban on smoking outdoors within 3-metres of a public building.
• In the Australian state of Queensland, smoking is prohibited within four metres of entrances to public buildings, within 10 metres of children's playground equipment, in commercial outdoor eating or drinking areas, at patrolled beaches, and at all major sports stadiums.
  • Some beaches in Sydney, Australia have smoking bans in place.
  • Smoking indoors or outdoors on land owned by the NSW Department of Education is banned
  • From 1 March 2006, in Victoria, Australia, smoking is banned from all covered train platforms, bus and tram stops.
• Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, enacted a total (outdoor) smoking ban, believed to be the first in the entire province if not country, as of October 2004. At the same time, Wilfrid Laurier University in the nearby city of Waterloo, Ontario, proposed a similar total smoking ban on its property, after its 10 metre outdoor proximity ban (enacted in 2002) failed. WLU was presumed to be the third Canadian (public) post-secondary institution to consider such measures, after Carleton and Acadia.
  • Smoking is prohibited in Hamilton Street Railway bus shelters in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • It is illegal to smoke on a bus or in a bus shelter in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
  • It is illegal to smoke on a bus or in a bus shelter as well as any less than 4 metres from any entrance in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • Calgary, Alberta, banned all outdoor patio smoking at bars, restaurants and casinos on 1 July 2005. Nova Scotia did the same on 1 December 2006.
• Calabasas, California, United States, banned smoking in almost all indoor and outdoor public places in 2006, believed to be the strictest ban in the United States. At least 13 California cities (including Los Angeles) have banned smoking on their beaches, at least four other California cities (including San Francisco) ban smoking in parks or outdoor venues. For more information, see List of smoking bans in the United States#Outdoor smoking bans.
  • Belmont, California, banned smoking in outdoor places on 25 September 2007. This ban also applies inside condos, apartments and other kinds of multi-unit housing.
  • California has banned smoking within 20 feet (6.1 m) of entrances to any public building.
• Selected wards in Tokyo, Japan, prohibit smoking on the streets. This ban is enforced and violators are fined. In response, free smoking cafes have been provided by Japan Tobacco.
  • 56% of Chiyoda ward's land area is a no smoking zone as of April 2007.
  • Kyoto, Japan, has banned smoking on 7.1 km of its streets in 2007, including busy areas along Kawaramachi, Karasuma-dori and Shijo Street avenues.
  • Railway stations in Japan are no-smoking except for a few remaining long distance services.
• Many English NHS PCTs ban smoking on it premises both inside and outside hospitals, even places such as the car park and bus stations.
• In Hong Kong, smoking ban is imposed on most public recreational areas and beaches. It is up to districts to designate which public recreational areas are exempt, and some ban smoking districtwide. Many playgrounds in public housing estates have also become smoke-free. Some public transport interchanges, as designated by the government, bans smoking since 1 September 2009.
• Smoking is banned on all railway platforms in England, regardless of whether they are covered or not. These measures were introduced well before any national smoking ban for safety reasons
• It is illegal to smoke on the outdoor property of the institutions of public education in Slovenia, penalties are dictated by internal orders of the concerned institutions.
• It is illegal to smoke in some bus shelters (complex rules determine which, leading to them being largely ignored) and phone boxes in Scotland.

Other restrictions

In some countries, such as Germany, India and Russia, bans enacted earlier allow for smoking sections in restaurants, as well as possible special rooms for use by smokers in other workplaces (though many employers prefer not to incur the costs of building and maintaining such rooms).

• Turkmenistan, under decree from President for life Saparmurat Niyazov, has banned the chewing of tobacco.
• All public and Catholic schools in the Region of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, banned smoking on school property in Autumn 1994. A province-wide smoking ban on school property was slated to begin for the 2007/2008 school year in British Columbia, Canada.
• A tobacco fatwa was issued in Iran in 1891 and Egypt in 2000.
• Australia has a federal law prohibiting the manufacture and sale of all smokeless tobacco products. The sale of oral snuff and chewing tobacco has been banned since 1989 under the Trade Practices Act 1974.

Proposed bans

In the Czech Republic, there is a bill to prohibit smoking in all public areas and in all enclosed areas in pubs, restaurants, bars and others that do not have a separate room designated for smoking that has permanent ventilation and does not have an effect on smoke-free sections. There have recently been several bills proposing similar smoking restrictions, but these have never been enacted by the Chamber of Deputies.

New Caledonia is likely to introduce restrictions on smoking in public places following a recent 25-nation global air-quality monitoring initiative.

The Canadian province of Ontario has introduced legislation to ban smoking in vehicles carrying passengers below the age of 16.

The government of Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan has compiled a basic plan for an ordinance to ban smoking in hotels, restaurants and other public places to be submitted to legislature in March 2009. It has been passed as a toned down version coming into effect April 2010 whereby smoking is banned in hospitals, schools and government offices, and requires restaurants and hotels to choose between becoming nonsmoking or creating separate smoking areas.

In Bulgaria the Ministry of Health is considering a ban on tobacco smoking in all public places by the summer of 2010. Bulgaria has an engagement to restrict tobacco smoking by 2011 with the World Health Organization. In Saudi Arabia, smoking is prohibited in public places

Niue is considering banning tobacco completely, and is seeking the cooperation of Australia and New Zealand to ensure that no tobacco can be imported into the country.

Singapore citizens launched an online campaign to support the proposal to prevent the supply of tobacco to Singaporeans born from the year 2000.

Lack of smoking bans

Some countries have no legislation against smoking whatsoever. These countries include Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and many other countries in Central and Western Africa, where people can smoke wherever they want and often culture is in favor of the smoker.

See also

• Smokeasy

External links

• Smoking bans around the world (updated)
• List of countries with smoking bans (Yahoo)
• Interactive map on some global smoking bans
• Interactive map on prevalence of smoking among men and women
• Smoking ban news