Jump to full article: Earth Times, 2010-02-05
Author: dpa
Intro: More than six months after Greece introduced a ban on smoking in public places, officials were conceding that the third attempt to stamp out the habit is failing, it was reported Friday. Greece, one of the last bastions of smoking in the European Union, introduced a ban on smoking in public places on July 1.
According to a report in the Greek daily Kathimerini, despite awareness campaigns that were initially well received by the public in the countdown to the ban, the necessary reforms have not been carried out to ensure that the restrictions are enforced.
As a result, smoking continues in most bars and cafes, public offices and hospitals, according to Panayiotis Behrakis, the head of the steering committee set up to oversee the implementation of the restrictions.
"The whole country is smoking," Behrakis was quoted as saying to Kathimerini. . . .
One of the problems seems to be that bar and cafe owners have submitted incomplete applications for revised operating licenses.
Small cafes and restaurants with premises measuring less than 70 square metres have had to choose between becoming tobacco-free or admitting only patrons who smoke.
In addition, companies with more than 50 employees will be able to set up dedicated smoking areas on their premises.
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