Austrian parliament strengthens anti-smoking law

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

VIENNA (AFP) — Austria's parliament on Wednesday approved a law that will further limit smoking in bars and restaurants, in a last-minute move before voting its own dissolution ahead of early elections in September.

The new law, which will come into force on January 1, 2009, will force all establishments of 80 square metres (861 square feet) or more to build separate smoking-rooms if they choose to serve smokers.

Restaurants and cafes of 50 square metres or less will be allowed to decide whether or not to allow smoking.

The authorities will decide if smoking spaces are feasible in any establishments that fall between the two categories (between 50 and 80 squaremetres).

Under a law that came into force in January, any place of 75 square metres or more...