Italy bans smoking in public
10 February 2005
Italy has become the latest country in Europe to ban smoking in public places, but it has enraged restaurant and bar owners by making them responsible for enforcing the law.
On 10 January it became illegal to light up in public places in Italy. Although customers will be fined for breaking the law, it is the country's restaurant and bar owners who must report them for smoking or be fined themselves. Owners face a fine of up to €2,200 (£1,500), or even losing their licence, if they fail to comply.
In Bulgaria, smoking in public places was outlawed from midnight on New Year's Eve.
