Laws aimed at restricting smoking in public places cause a storm of indignation among many compatriots. Some are even inclined to talk about "violation of the rights and freedoms of citizens." Meanwhile, in the countries of Europe, which many Russians tend to regard as a model of "freedom and democracy," the law is even harsher on smokers than in the Russian Federation.
Going on a business or tourist trip to a particular European country, it is advisable to know, otherwise you can incur serious trouble, and the matter is not always limited to a fine.
Smoking bans
The German law is the most severe for smokers. In Germany, smoking is prohibited at train stations, trains, airports, airplanes, any public transport, taxis, workplaces, restaurants. The fine is imposed not only on the offender himself, but also on the owner of the premises where he smoked, so that the observance of smoking bans is strictly monitored.
In Italy, smoking is prohibited in any public place or educational institution, as well as wherever there is a corresponding prohibition sign. It matters not only where the person is, but also who is next to him: smoking is prohibited in the presence of a child or a pregnant woman. The amount of the fine can be up to EUR 500.
In Ireland, it is easier to say where smoking is allowed than to list all the places where it is prohibited. In this country, smoking is allowed at home, on the street or in a special room in the hotel. Smoking elsewhere is punishable by a € 3,000 fine, the largest in Europe.
The list of places where you are not allowed to smoke is also quite impressive in Finland. In this country, even the one who walks past the children's institution without extinguishing his cigarette is considered a violator.
Where is smoking allowed
No matter how severe the bans are, Europe is far from the countries of the East in terms of combating smoking. There are still places where you can smoke. For example, in German restaurants, the ban on smoking is lifted if the hall is rented by one group of visitors - they can decide for themselves whether they will smoke or not.
In Austria, restaurants and bars over 50 square meters have designated smoking areas. If the area of the restaurant is smaller, the owner decides for himself whether it is possible to smoke there or not, and the visitor must find out this issue.
In Belgium, you can smoke almost everywhere, except for catering establishments. The Dutch law is just as soft: smoking is prohibited only in large coffee houses and bars. It is noteworthy that the ban applies only to tobacco, smoking marijuana is not prohibited.
In Bulgaria it is forbidden to smoke indoors, but there are no restrictions on smoking outdoors.
The most loyal country for smokers can be called Portugal. It is forbidden here to smoke at the bar, but at the table in the same bar, the ban is no longer valid.
