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![Germany's partial ban on smoking is more flexible than France's measures [AFP]](http://mwcnews.net/images/stories/Sci-Tech2/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/smoking.jpg "Germany's partial ban on smoking is more flexible than France's measures [AFP]") | | Germany's partial ban on smoking is more flexible than France's measures [AFP] |
Smokers have taken to lighting up on the sidewalks as a ban took effect on New Year's Day across France, Germany and Lithuania, the latest European countries to say "no smoking".
French cafes and restaurants already put up no-smoking signs on New Year's Day although French officials said they would start enforcing the ban only on Wednesday.
In Germany, where almost a third of the population smoked, eight states launched a partial ban in restaurants and bars. But the measures in Germany are more flexible than in France, which prohibits smoking in nightclubs.
Under the French ban, those caught lighting up indoors face a $93 fine, while owners who turn a blind eye to smoking in their establishments face a $198 fine. Last year the country reinforced a long-standing smoking ban in workplaces, schools, airports, hospitals and other "closed and covered" public places such as train stations. 'Stupid law' Kicking the habit  Ireland banned smoking in all enclosed spaces in 2004. The UK followed with a ban. Italy, Malta, Sweden, Estonia and Finland all have bans but allow smoking in special closed sections. Belgium, Lithuania, Spain, Cyprus, Slovenia and the Netherlands all have bans but make exceptions for certain parts of the hospitality sector. Germany, Portugal and France are the latest countries to introduce bans. Jean-Pierre Aiglement, 55, a waiter at the Cafe Au Depart in northern Paris, vowed not to be "chased out on to the pavement" by the "stupid law" saying he will "smoke where I please". "Once they start enforcing the ban, this place will be empty,'' Aiglement said. In France, Julie Mauger, a waitress, welcomed the move, saying it would be better for employees to work in a smoke-free environment. While non-smokers breathed a sigh of relief, the move did not go down well with many owners of restaurants and bars. "If I can't smoke while having some wine, then I do not go there at all" Manfred Guarini, restaurant owner in Germany Following the ban in the German states, a group representing restaurant and bar owners sought to legally challenge the new anti-smoking law. A ban on smoking in German trains, other public transport and federal buildings took effect in September. Recommend this article...
Tags: Germany France smoking
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