TURKEY – Smoke ban extended to bars and cafes

MILAN – Beginning Sunday, Turkey has extended an existing ban on smoking in public places to all bars, cafes and restaurants, including their outdoor spaces.

Anyone caught lighting up in a designated smoke-free area faces a fine of 69 liras (US$45) while bar owners who fail to enforce the ban could be fined from 560 liras for a first offence up to 5,600 liras.

The Istanbul City Hall already hired 400 individuals to enforce the new law.

The ban was met with discontent by many in the country, especially the coffee shop owners and owners of places to smoke Nargile over fears the number of their customers will slump.