President Klaus signs anti-smoking bill

President Václav Klaus has signed into law an anti-smoking bill, which will require restaurant and pub-owners to choose between allowing – or banning - smoking on their premises. The amendment is a long-sought compromise on an issue that has proved particularly sensitive in this country. Anti-smoking activists say the law should have gone farther to protect non-smokers, while opponents say it violates personal freedoms. Besides outlining provisions for restaurant and pub owners, the bill defines public areas where smoking is banned and introduces tougher sanctions for selling tobacco to minors. The new legislation will come into effect as of July1st of 2010.