Portugal joined a growing
number of EU countries enforcing a non-smoking ban in public places on
January 1 2008.
The ban, which was 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.
An individual could be fined from 50€ to 750€ for smoking in a
prohibited location. Owners of establishments can also be fined from 50€
to 1,000€ for allowing and not reporting an offender. Then any
establishment providing 'smoking' facilities and are found not to be
displaying the correct signage could be fined from 2,500€ to 10,000€.
