Smoking ban in larger bars, restaurants from today

Non-smoking regulations come into force today in entertainment establishments measuring more than 60 square metres.

Bars, restaurants and other venues have to be non-smoking but can have a smoking room which, however, needs to comply with a number of technical specifications.

Smaller establishments have until April to come in line.

The Health Ministry yesterday told The Times that the aim of the law was mainly to protect non-smokers and employees, but it was also hoped that the regulations would lead to smokers quitting the habit.

In fact, World Medical Association president James Appleyard told this paper that apart from protecting non-smokers, the regulations would reduce the incidence of smoking.

Ireland introduced strict regulations outlawing smoking in entertainment establishments earlier this year and Dr Appleyard said the experience there suggested smoking was in decline.

"This is not surprising as the tobacco companies know that they can pick up increasing numbers of smokers from peer pressure in bars and restaurants," he said.

The Health Ministry said evidence-based studies quoted by the British Medical Association underlined the harmful effect of passive smoking - second-hand smoke increased the risk of lung cancer by 20 - 30 per cent and the risk of coronary heart disease by 25 - 35 per cent.

Last week the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU told establishment owners to put up stickers, which it would provide, stating it was illegal to smoke in public places and that the establishment was a public place.

Meanwhile, the Maltese Asthma Society welcomed the health authority's effort to protect not only the general public but also people who suffer from respiratory diseases from the effects of passive cigarette smoking.

In a statement the society said that in Malta 15 per cent of children suffer from asthma and most of these can get acute attacks through contact with cigarette smoke. It said it hoped the general public will comply with these new smoking regulations and augured that the authorities will make sure everyone complies with these regulations.