Restricting smoking

Austria will ban smoking in pubs and restaurants effective Nov. 1, reports the Austria Press Agency.

One of the last countries in Europe to do so, Austria had earlier resolved to ban pub and restaurant smoking in May.

However, the then new conservative coalition government overturned the decision largely due to the wishes of the right-wing populist Freedom Party.

Following the recent collapse of that coalition government, and amidst continued pressure from medical and civil interest groups, the ban appeared on the agenda again, and has now been realized.

Only the Freedom Party voted against the ban in parliament.

The ban covers smoking at any public places where food and drink are prepared, served and consumed, including at halls, festival tents, and multi-purpose rooms. It includes the use of e-cigarettes and shisha tobaccos.

Guests will still be able to smoke in some pub and restaurant gardens.