Greece Bans Smoking And Tobacco Advertising

Greece Bans Smoking And Tobacco Advertising

A new law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces and tobacco advertising has come into force in Greece on Wednesday.

The government says the ban is aimed at protecting public health.

The prohibition statement adds that - like a recently adopted austerity plan to repair a near-bankrupt economy - the smoking ban will help Greeks to consider the consequences of their actions.

''It will contribute to the work we're doing that's aimed at changing attitudes, norms and behaviour to improve our quality of life,'' Prime Minister George Papandreou said on Tuesday.

Failure of previous measure

The government says the measure is needed after previous efforts to impose a partial ban were largely ignored.

From Wednesday, individuals caught violating the new law face fines of up to 500 Euros ($636). Businesses may have to pay up to 10,000 Euros.

It is the second such attempt by the Greek government, in less than a year, to curb tobacco addiction among its population, whose more than 40% of adults are estimated to be smokers. The estimation is well above the EU's average of 29% .

Restaurant and cafe owners have however said the measure is targeted at their businesses.

BBC/AyoKoya/Yinka