Turks have prohibited smoking

January 17, 2011

Quite big problems will face those who desire to smoke in Turkish bars, coffee houses and restaurants. From July 19th 2009 it is impossible to do it.

Authorities' decision wasn't a surprise for local people. The matter is that in 2008 came into force first part of anti-tobacco legislation according to which has been prohibited smoking in offices and public transport. But for bars and restaurants owners has been given one year delay that has passed.

To influence government were not able persistent requests of public catering enterprises' owners to let them make rooms for smokers. "They mustn't worry. Society supports life without cigarettes. The only one who will lose because of new law are cigarettes' manufacturers and sellers" - Turkish Minister of Health Resep Akdag said.

However, coffee shops owners consider that they do have reason to worry. If summer there is possibility to put tables outside (on the street), winter a lot of smokers just will not come to take dinner in public catering enterprise where they don't have opportunity to seat with cigarette.

Government shows statistics that from the moment when anti-tobacco law was passed quantity of smokers in Turkey has been reduced by 7 per cent. Also another statistics is known. In the Turkey smokes almost one half of population (including 40 per cent of teenagers). Penalty for smoking in public places is 3700 USD.