Tobacco.org

• Law fails to deter Albanian smokers 

Albanians are mostly ignoring a ban on smoking in public places because penalties are not being enforced, according to the organisation Smoke Free Albania.

The law, which took effect in May, prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, government offices and other public locations. In theory, Albania's anti-smoking legislation is among the strictest in Europe, but activists say implementation has been far from adequate.

"People are fined, but the fines are not collected; there is no equality in the application of this law," said Xhovani Shyti of Smoke Free Albania."Some bars ban smoking, while others do not."

Jump to full article »

• Albania to ban smoking in public spaces 

Government of Albania approved recently a draft-law to bank smoking in public areas like bars and restaurants, Prime Minister's office announced. The law is intended to lower the number of smokers in a country that is known for one of the highest rate of smokers in Europe.

Current legislation forbids smoking in public offices, schools and hospitals but not in bars or restaurants. . . .

The former government had "forgotten" this draft-law for several years, while last year anti-tobacco NGO's had accused the tobaccos industry for corrupting the government.

Former Prime Minister, Fatos Nano, was known for his smoking habits. Meanwhile, the new Prime Minister, Sali Berisha, proclaiming himself a penitent smoker has approved an even harder draft-law to ban smoking.

Meanwhile, on a separate legislation last week, Albanian Parliament approved a hike of the excise duty for tobacco and coffee.

Jump to full article »

• Philip Morris Liable for Smoker's Cancer, Los Angeles Jury Says 

Philip Morris was ordered to pay $850,000 to compensate Betty Bullock for her illness. Jurors will now begin hearing evidence on how much money Philip Morris should have to pay as punishment. That phase of the trial is expected to last about two days.

Jump to full article »