This State will have some of the most rigid anti-smoking legislation in Europe when the smoking ban is introduced next January.
United Kingdom
Up to now, the British and Irish authorities have taken a similar approach to anti-smoking legislation. No-smoking sections were established in UK restaurants and smoking was forbidden in public buildings.
Yesterday, a UK Department of Health spokesman said a general ban on smoking was the ideal situation but was not justified at the moment.
Italy
The Italian government is seeking a form of legislation to reduce passive smoking. An outright ban in the workplace is one option being considered but it is proving contentious. Smoking has been banned in public buildings since 1995.
France
Anti-smoking legislation is in place in France but is poorly enforced. Restaurants are obliged to provide a no-smoking section but it is often difficult to get a no-smoking table. Smoking is banned in airports, public buildings and the metro but the rules are often flouted.
Norway
A total ban on smoking in Norwegian bars, cafes and restaurants has received government approval and will be in place next January, subject to parliamentary clearance. Current anti-smoking laws are strict, with smoking banned in most public places, including offices with more than one person.
Sweden
The Government aims to have smoke-free food service facilities from 2004 by voluntary agreement. Hotels and restaurants are currently exempt from a requirement that staff should not be involuntarily exposed to smoke.
United States
Anti-smoking laws vary from state to state but California led the way when it introduced an aggressive anti-smoking policy in 1996. Tobacco consumption fell by 60 per cent between 1996 and 2000. The state was the first to introduce smoke-free bars.
In December, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg passed a Bill banning smoking in the city's bars and restaurants. This will come into force on April 1st. Boston will introduce similar legislation on May 5th. Los Angeles and San Francisco have also passed smoke-free workplace legislation. In Rome, Georgia, legislation has been proposed to ban smoking in any vehicle carrying a child under four.
Singapore
Singapore bans cigarette- smoking in most public places but allows smoking in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and night clubs.
Spain
After Greece, Spain has the second-highest number of smokers per capita in Europe. Iberia was one of the last airlines in Europe to ban smoking on long-haul flights. Restaurants with more than 20 tables must provide a no-smoking section but this is frequently ignored. Legislation to ban smoking in public buildings has been introduced.
Germany
The right to a smoke-free workplace does not yet extend to pubs and restaurants. Most offices are smoke-free, thanks to the liaison between employers and the employee councils.
Australia
Smoking is still permitted in designated areas in workplaces but since January 1st, ABC studios has banned smoking indoors and within ten metres of the facility. Employees are even unable to smoke while driving company cars or working in outside broadcast units. The New South Wales Health Department is planning a similar ban.
