Tobacco.org

First smoking ban conviction 

The owners of the pub De Kachel in the northern city of Groningen have been fined 1,200 euros for violating the smoking ban for bars, cafes and restaurants which the Netherlands introduced last July. If the pub allows smoking again, it will be closed down for a month. . . .

Co-owner Jeroen Sannes says he can understand that the judge has no alternative but to fine a transgression of the law. But Mr Sannes says he is enraged at the judge's suggestion that small pubs should expand or move, if they don't have enough space to create a separate smoking room. "How does he think we are going to finance such a move?" Mr Sannes exclaimed.

This was the first case brought against a hostelry in the Netherlands for failing to comply with the smoking ban. The owners of De Kachel had received five warnings before being charged.

Jump to full article »