Croatia News - CroatiaPress.com

Zagreb, June 14 (CP) – The law on banning smoking in public areas and workplaces is to be debated by parliament next week.

Once the law is scrutinized and passed smoking will no longer be allowed in all public and work places, but small cafes may be exempt from the ban.

Smoking will only be allowed in workplaces and public places in sealed-off areas provided by employer or restaurant or café management.

Smokers not abiding by the ban will be looking at 1,000 kuna fines and owners of the establishment or business will be fined up to 250,000 kuna.

It is not yet clear when  the legislation will be passed and implemented, but there are some indications that the gradual introduction may start as early as July with the small café cigarette smoke ban coming into effect by mid-2009.