POLAND - Smoking banned in public places

WARSAW (AP):

Poland has introduced a ban on smoking in public places, like stadiums and restaurants, with fines foreseen for people who persist in lighting up. The ban that took effect yesterday calls for fines of up to 500 zlotys ($165) for those who break the regulations. But it allows for a special room to be set aside for smokers so long as it is well ventilated. Smoking is now banned in schools, museums, theatres, airports and railway and bus stations and in public transport, stadiums, hospitals and playgrounds. It is also banned in one-room restaurants and bars. Poland follows many other European countries in clamping down on smoking in public places.