Portuguese govt finalises anti-smoking bill

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

LISBON (AFP) — The Portuguese government approved an anti-smoking bill Thursday which would ban smoking in certain bars, cafes and nightclubs, Health Minister Sante Antonio Correia de Campos said.

The final version of the bill will go before parliament, where the socialist government has a majority.

Under the plan, smokers would only be allowed to light up in public places larger than 100 square metres (1,076 square feet), and then only in smoking areas limited to 30 percent or less of total floor space, he said.

Proprietors would have a year to adjust to the new rules once the bill is passed by parliament.

Smoking would be completely banned in public transport, schools, hospitals and other health clinics, while the minimum age for buying tobacco...