[Intl-tobacco] New Czech law cracks down on smokers

[robert weissman]

New Czech law cracks down on smokers
ReutersReuters

Jun 29, 2005 =97 PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Republic became the latest
country to crack down on smokers on Wednesday when the lower house
passed a law banning smoking in public places and restricting cigarette
sales from January 1 next year.

Under the new law, smoking will be banned in public spaces in buildings,
in the workplace and at places such as bus stops and railway platforms.

Restaurants, cafes and bars will have to have specially equipped rooms
for smokers, and the type of shop allowed to sell cigarettes will be
restricted, mainly to tobacco shops and supermarkets, greatly reducing
the number of sales outlets.
The law also bans cigarette sales from vending machines.

The law has yet to be passed by the upper house of parliament and signed
by the president, but neither is expected to oppose it.

There was no immediate comment on the new law from Philip Morris CR, the
country's biggest cigarette maker, whose profit margins are already
being squeezed by higher excise taxes on tobacco products.

Countries such as the Irish Republic, which have also brought in laws
banning or restricting smoking, have reported marked drops in cigarette
sales.