German government proposes watered-down ban on smoking
The German government has proposed a watered-down ban on smoking in public places, that would outlaw lighting up in nightclubs but not bars and pubs.
Under the proposals, which would take effect in July 2007 if the German parliament approves, restaurant customers would be still allowed to smoke, but only in rooms that are separated by a door.
More than a quarter of Germany's entire population, about 22 million people, smoke, according to a 2005 study.
The smoking ban will bring Germany, Europe's biggest tobacco market, closer in line with the 13 of 25 European Union states to have introduced legislation to outlaw smoking in public places.
Malta, Ireland and Norway introduced bans in 2004, followed a year later by countries including Italy and Sweden.
A ban on smoking in public places in England and Wales including all pubs and private clubs comes into force in mid-2007, while France, Finland and Belgium all plan to tighten existing anti-smoking legislation next year.
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By Daniel Thomas
E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas](mailto:daniel.thomas@rbi.co.uk?subject=German government proposes watered-down on smoking) here.
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