Smoking Ban Extends to Playgrounds and Public Transport Areas

Provisions to the newly passed smoking ban in the Czech Republic have been clarified; meanwhile pub owners are looking for a loophole

Expats.cz Staff Jason Pirodsky

Written by Expats.cz Staff,  Jason Pirodsky Published on 01.03.2017 11:25:56 (updated on 01.03.2017) Reading time: 1 minute

Daily News

The smoking ban was officially signed by Czech President Milos Zeman on February 14. The bill was approved by both houses of Parliament in January. It will take effect on May 31 which is World No Tobacco Day.

The smoking ban applies to bars, restaurants, cafes, and pubs well as cinemas, concert venues, exhibition halls, and indoor sports settings which are banned from having separate areas for smokers.

Advertisement Fly Vista In article + category

At the time the ban was signed into law, legislators were still working to extend the ban to uncovered public transportation areas, shopping centers, and playgrounds.

Metro.cz is reporting that additional provisions have now been passed which make smoking on a playground, loosely defined as an area with swings and benches where children are present, as well as uncovered public transport stops, and “zoo gardens” punishable offenses.

The fine for smoking in those areas has been set at 5,000 CZK.

Designated smoking areas will still, however, be permitted at shopping malls and airports.

Could there be a smoking ban loophole?

According to the publication, pub owners could possibly avoid the ban by becoming private smoking clubs.

Anti-smoking laws are to be regularly enforced by hygiene inspectors.

Advertisement UJOP vánoce In Article

Did you like this article?

#in the news
Would you like us to write your article? Explore the options

Other daily news

Advertisement Expats.cz Jobs

Partner articles

FEATURED JOBS

View all jobs

TRENDING ARTICLES

POPULAR ARTICLES