Italy’s smokers face new regulations

Italy’s 10.3 million tobacco smokers are facing a raft of new regulations aimed at reducing the incidence of smoking in the country, currently 19 percent, according to a story in The Local.

Since yesterday, smoking has been banned in vehicles with children or pregnant women present. Those who violate the ban are liable to a fine of €650.

Smoking has been banned, too, in outdoor areas in or around hospitals, on pain of a €500 fine.

Health warnings on tobacco packages are being increased from less than 50 percent of the main surfaces to at least 65 percent, in line with the new EU Tobacco Products Directive.

And also in line with the directive, packs of 10 cigarettes and pouches of less than 30 grams of tobacco will be outlawed. Meanwhile, shops caught selling cigarettes to minors risk having their licenses revoked and fines of up to €8,000 imposed.

But in a nod to egalitarian principles: while smokers will be liable to a fine of €300 for dropping cigarettes butts in public places, such a penalty will be faced by others not disposing of unwanted items properly.