Czech Republic
Development of the law:
In the Czech Republic it is forbidden to smoke (as of January 2006):
in public places (e.g. in closed spaces accessible to the public, public transport, shelters and waiting rooms, etc.)
in schools
in closed entertainment facilities (i.e. theatres, galleries, concert halls, sport halls, etc.)
inside medical facilities
in buildings of public administration
in restaurants; owners have to provide a "space" reserved for smokers marked with a "visible sign".
Smokers who do not observe these rules can be fined up to CZK 1,000. In January 2006, people paid more than CZK 100,000 in fines in Prague alone.
The current legislation does not protect workers and the general public from passive smoking. As a result, an amendment to the current legislation was tabled by ODS deputy Boris Šťastný in order to introduce a total smoking ban.
On Wednesday 11th June 2009, Czech MPs backed a proposal allowing bars and restaurants owners to decide whether their establishments are smoking or not. From the middle of 2010, all that will be required from owners is to put a notice on the door saying where they stand.
The proposal represents a weakening of the current law which bans smoking in restaurants unless it is clearly stated that space has been set aside for smokers. MPs had another proposal before them which would have forced restaurants to separate smoking and non-smoking facilities. But Czech MPs gave in to the tobacco lobby.
The Czech Republic is the only EU country which has not yet ratified the FCTC.
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