Grown Apart

Greece introduced a full smoking ban in public places starting September 1, econ.bg reported.

In September the ban will have recommendatory powers, but everyone who breaks the new regulations will be registered.

Fines for owners of companies and public facilities where the ban is not imposed vary between 500 and 10 000 euro. Individual smokers face fines of 50 to 500 euro.

Restaurants will be closed for ten days after a fourth infraction of the smoking ban. A fifth infraction will cause the place to lose its license.

Nearly 42 percent of Greeks over 15 years are smokers, while the average EU figure is 29 percent.