GREECE IMPOSES SMOKING BAN IN PUBLIC SPACES
Baku, September 2 (AZERTAC). Greece has imposed a nationwide ban on smoking in enclosed public and private workplaces under a new slogan "cut smoking, gain life."
Small establishments such as restaurants and cafes will have to observe the restrictions. Larger ones such as casinos and nightclubs have until June 2011 to fully impose the ban.
The nation has tried to impose the ban before, but failed.
Consequences for violating the ban were not clearly outlined and enforced in the past, leading many smokers to shun the law.
However, the health minister says things are different this time.
Circumstances have "matured" and we have the broad support of the Greek populace, Minister Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou said.
Anyone defying the ban now will initially receive a warning and get their named entered into a database.
A second infraction will result in a fine of 50 to 500 euros ($65-$650).
Business owners will be fined 500 to 10,000 euros ($650-$12,750) for each violation with the fine doubling when there`s a recurrence.
In her statement, the health minister said that Greece is following the same efforts made by most European and Mediterranean countries, adding that this "is a political decision but in order for it to succeed, it needs to be supported by all people."
She urged the nation to remember that this is "first and foremost a very big step for health of our public."
