Switzerland
Development of the law:
The 1993 Federal Labour Law imposes partial restrictions in government facilities and indoor workplaces and offices. Smoking is banned on public transport except taxis. Voluntary agreements in some cantons (states) have made some healthcare and educational facilities, restaurants, bars, pubs, theatres and cinemas smokefree.
The Swiss federal parliament is considering a national smokefree law, but the cantons are taking action independently. Six cantons have become smokefree. The first was Ticino in Spring 2007, followed by Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Graubünden, Solothurn, Valais and, most recently, Geneva on February 24, 2008. The Geneva legislation bans smoking in all indoor public places, including restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The law may take up to a year to pass, but interim regulations imposing a blanket ban will be introduced within weeks.
Votes in more cantons are expected in 2009. A recent medical study showed that two-thirds of the Swiss population favours smokefree legislation.
Switzerland is not a party to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
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