Bravo Turkey: History up in smoke as Turkey extends smoking restrictions
The expression "smoke like a Turk" seems destined for the rubbish bin of history after Turkey introduced Sunday some of the toughest anti-smoking legislation in Europe.
Smoking has been banned from all closed public areas, bars, cafes and restaurants, and even extends to patrons sitting outside cafes. Anyone caught puffing away in a non-smoking area faces an on-the-spot 45-euro fine, while cafe owners face penalties of up to 2,500 euros. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an avid anti-smoker, has instructed the country's governors to rigorously enforce the ban. He has even called for officials who fail to do so to be punished. The new law is being seen as the final nail in the coffin for one of the country's most ancient traditions.
Note EU-Digest: Bravo Turkey. This is a great example set by Turkey for the rest of Europe where in countries like the Netherlands the Government is now involved in a court case against the earlier announced smoking ban. There is absolutely no argument in favor of smoking in public places or even in the home. It is proven to be bad for your health and can kill you.
No comments:
Post a Comment