Smoking in Portugal

The ban, which has been fiercely opposed and forced a national referendum, negates smoking in airports, bus and train stations, beaches, museums, bars, restaurants, places of work, libraries, shopping centres and any enclosed public place.

However unlike other European countries, Portugal has made provision for establishments larger than 100 square metres, to allocate up to 30 per cent of it's space for smokers. There is a proviso though. These establishments must install a hi-tech extraction system to remove all smoke from the premises.

Hotels and other accommodation outlets will also be able to provide special 'smoking bedrooms' for patrons who smoke, though these cannot exceed 40 per cent of the total rooms available and they will also have install extraction systems. To ensure there is no misunderstandings establishments where you can smoke will be issued with a Blue sign which must be displayed.

Although there has been a lot of opposition to the ban it is unlikely there will be many who break the law as there are liable to hefty fines.