[Intl-tobacco] Albania to ban smoking in public spaces

[robert weissman]

Albania to ban smoking in public spaces
AENews

July 31, 2006

Tirana, 31 July, (AENews) - Government of Albania approved recently a
draft-law to
bank smoking in public areas like bars and restaurants, Prime Minister's
office
announced. The law is intended to lower the number of smokers in a
country that is
known for one of the highest rate of smokers in Europe.

Current legislation forbids smoking in public offices, schools and
hospitals but not
in bars or restaurants. The new draft-law restricts fines up to 500 US
dollars for
the owner of the bar or restaurant.

The former government had "forgotten" this draft-law for several years,
while last
year anti-tobacco NGO's had accused the tobaccos industry for corrupting the
government.

Former Prime Minister, Fatos Nano, was known for his smoking habits.

Meanwhile, the new Prime Minister, Sali Berisha, proclaiming himself a
penitent
smoker has approved an even harder draft-law to ban smoking.

Meanwhile, on a separate legislation last week, Albanian Parliament
approved a hike
of the excise duty for tobacco and coffee.

Albanian tobacco products imports are estimated at USD 47 million.

http://www.albanianeconomy.com/content/view/170/37/