Finland enforces smoking ban in bars and restaurants

HELSINKI: Finland on Friday became the latest European nation to introduce a complete ban on smoking in all public places, a measure that has been well received by the generally tobacco-critical Finns.   

According to a Eurobarometer poll, the complete ban on smoking is supported by 96 percent of Finns, a higher figure than in the rest of Europe.   

Finland is also one of the European nations with the fewest number of smokers, 22 per cent. Only Sweden has fewer with 18 per cent smokers.   

Some hardline smokers were however not deterred by the ban they consider a violation of their rights.   

"I don't like this law. I have always smoked when having a beer," Mikko Lehmusmetsae said as he enjoyed the sun and a cigarette on a beer terrace in central Helsinki.   

"It's okay in summer, but when winter comes I will stay at home," he added.   

The new law comes with a two-year transition period during which bars, cafes and restaurants larger than 50 square metres with a proper ventilation system can set up special smoking sections.   

In smaller establishments, cigarettes will be prohibited altogether or smoking rooms will have to be built.   

Establishments failing to comply with the new law risk a fine as do smokers disobeying the law.   

The ban is intended to protect 70,000 restaurant and bar workers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.   

Finland banned smoking in public places in 1977 and in workplaces in 1995, leaving bars and restaurants as the only sanctuary until now.   

The latest ban is Finland's second bid at prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants following a failed 1999 attempt.