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.
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.