[Intl-tobacco] Italy Bans Smoking in Most Public Places

[Robert Weissman]

Italy Bans Smoking in Most Public Places
Mon Dec 23,12:33 PM ET

FLORENCE (Reuters Health) - A new anti-smoking law passed in Italy is
only the first step in the war against tobacco multinationals, according
to health minister Girolamo Sirchia.

"The new law, which protects those who do not smoke, is only the first
step. The second step would be a campaign to keep young people away from
smoking. The third would be a tax offensive against tobacco
multinationals. Institutions will also begin to file compensation
requests," Sirchia announced in an interview with the daily La
Repubblica.

Over the weekend, Italy's upper house of parliament, the Senate, passed
a milestone law that bans smoking almost anywhere indoors except for
private homes and specially designated smoking areas. All enclosed
spaces, including cafes and bars, would be affected.

Italians who ignore smoking bans in places like cinemas, hospitals,
offices, schools, museums, buses and airports risk fines ranging from 25
to 250 euros. The fine is doubled if the violation takes place in the
presence of pregnant women or children up to 12 years old.

Failure to enforce smoking bans results in even stiffer fines, ranging
from 200 to 2,000 euros. Public places would have a year to adopt the
measure after the law goes into effect. Smoking areas will also have to
be created in places such as prisons.

In January a television advertising campaign will try to extinguish the
nation's passion for lighting up by warning about the dangers of
smoking, while a similar campaign will involve schools and teachers.

"Smoking among 14- to16-year-olds is increasing, and it's not happening
by chance. Young people are the main target of the multinationals. They
invest a lot to win over these new and easy clients. Through film and
fiction, they propose behavioral models which show that strong men and
emancipated women smoke," Sirchia said.

This summer the minister proposed inserting an anti-smoking message when
someone lights up a cigarette in films and television programs.

"They laughed at me when I came up with this proposal. But I will
insist," the health minister said.

According to the latest report by statistics agency Istat, close to one
quarter of Italy's 58 million citizens are smokers, and men smoke an
average 16.5 cigarettes per day.