Smoking will be banned even in famous Bavarian beer halls
The initiator of the anti-smoking plebiscite in Bavaria was the Ecological Democratic Party (EDP), supported by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens. The Christian Social Union (CSU) refrained from any recommendations to voters, while its partner in the ruling coalition in this state – the Free Democratic Party (FDP) – opposed it.
The law will also affect traditional pubs ("kneipe") and restaurants belonging to clubs and interest groups. However, its effect will not apply, for example, to patients in psychiatric wards of hospitals, who will be allowed to smoke in specially equipped rooms. Starting in 2011, even guests of the annual Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich will have to refrain from smoking in beer tents. This year, due to the 200th anniversary of this world-famous event, an exception has been made for them.
The federal law banning smoking in public places, train stations, and public transport in Germany came into effect on January 1, 2008 (in some states it has been in effect since August 1, 2007). Smoking is only allowed in specially equipped rooms. Violators may be fined between 1 and 5 thousand euros.
However, Bavaria was more liberal in this regard than other states – last year it even eased anti-smoking legislation, allowing smoking in one-room bars up to 75 square meters and in beer pavilions. But now that is over. According to Sebastian Frankenberger, press secretary of the local Union for the Protection of Non-smokers, the German government could easily make the smoking ban in public catering establishments nationwide.
Smokers are, of course, displeased. "But what about respecting the interests and rights of the minority?" they reasonably object. "After all, that is a hallmark of genuine democracy! And a 37% turnout in the referendum cannot possibly give a full picture of the attitude toward the problem." To this they are answered: "You should have gone and voted against; now the decision has already been made."
Owners of cafes and bars are in sorrow, if not panic. "This is a serious blow to the profitability of our establishments, if not to the entire industry. Smokers will respond to this forced concern for their health with their feet – they will simply stop going out," Adam Gross, owner of a small cafe in the town of Mering, where in recent days you can still have a cigarette with a mug of beer, told NI.
The offensive against smokers is happening across Europe. In the UK, a law banning smoking not only in the workplace, restaurants, and canteens but also in all pubs and clubs came into effect in 2007. Similar laws were passed in France and Belgium that same year. For Italy's 14 million smokers, hard times came even earlier – in 2005. Previously, you could light up in a movie theater during a screening without asking anyone. The pioneers in this matter were Ireland and Norway, which legislatively banned smoking in public places and catering establishments.
Adel KALINICHENKO.
Novye Izvestia