Smoking Ban in Cyprus: Much Ado About Nothing!

A NUMBER of MPs have co-signed a law proposal to amend the current smoking ban, which hopes to offer venues the right to have separate smoking areas.

According to DISY MP Andreas Themistocleous, who prepared the proposal, the current ban is not being adhered to, with members of the public smoking freely in entertainment venues – especially bars and nightclubs - in direct violation of the law, which came into effect in January this year.

The deputy felt it should be up to the public to decide whether they want to smoke or not – as long as they are not affecting anyone else.

“When the law was being passed, the margins were left for amendments,” he explained yesterday. “MPs promised to those who were reacting that the law would be implemented, a few months would pass and any weaknesses spotted would lead to amendments.”

He said the DISY, EDEK and DIKO MPs’ proposal offered venue owners the right to offer up to 50 per cent of the area to smokers – provided that the venue has an area of 70 square metres or more and the designated smoking area is completely separate and cut off.

“Our proposal for the smoking law is complete with justifications, it is balanced and it affects in no way whatsoever the rights of non smokers,” Themistocleous explained. “One thing is for sure: if the law remains as it is, it isn’t being implemented. So what is the use of this law? It needs to be amended. What we achieved here is a money-making machine for the government.”

The MP reasoned that it was illogical to allow the legal importation and sale of tobacco products, and then ban people from smoking them.

“Parliament can’t prevent members of the public from creating a club, where they could use this product,” he pointed out.

Ireland, Norway, Italy and Britain are among the states that implemented full smoking bans successfully.

However, Themistocleous suggested Cyprus follows the example of states such as Belgium and Bulgaria, where the smoking laws are not so severe.

“The seven MPs who co-signed the proposal feel the need for amendments,” he said. “Amendments that don’t affect non-smokers and don’t put their health or dignity at risk,” he added.

A prime example of how the current law has failed, said Themistocleous, was that there had been an increase in sales of tobacco products in the first four months of 2010, compared to the year before.

“The state’s income from taxes on tobacco products – without these being increased or altered in any way – reached €59 million in the first half of 2010, compared to €54 million in 2009,” he pointed out. “This means we have achieved the exact opposite from what we hoped to achieve with this law.”

The relevant law today is not being implemented, said Themistocleous. “A quick stroll around the island’s nightclubs will show you that from 11 pm onwards, youths are smoking freely.”

The DISY MP maintained there should be a place in society for non smokers as well as smokers. “I won’t go into the ethics of whether someone should smoke or not; obviously we shouldn’t smoke,” said the keen smoker.

“But if someone is to quit something, this is something that can’t be enforced with orders or laws. It is the personal life of each person and in a complete democracy, anyone can affect their health as much as they like. Anyway, there may be many other things that could be a lot more harmful than smoking.”

Themistocleous admitted there were many laws that were passed in parliament but had never been implemented, “due to their extremity or hollowness”.

The law proposal, which was submitted to the House Health Committee, and is still to be discussed, was co-signed by DISY’s George Georgiou, Soteris Sampson and Andreas Kyprianou, as well as DIKO’s Neophytos Constantinou and Zacharias Koulias, and Rikkos Erotokritou of EVROKO.

by Jacqueline Agathocleous

Published in Cyprus Mail on October 16, 2010

via www.cyprus-mail.com

Last night, I watched on TV a debate on the "severe" smoking ban in Cyprus which came into effect on January 1, 2010.  The gist of the debate was that two years later the smoking ban doesn't work in Cyprus . Consequently, both smokers,  non-smokers and many government officials are disatisfied with the law. Many breeches of the law have been reported, yet the police don't seem to be in contol! Now, it seems, we're looking for amendments to the law.

Much ado about nothing, if you ask me. I am a smoker and the ban made me cut down a lot! I don't have a problem to go outside and smoke if I feel like it. But I do hate people smoking indoors in public places and NO ONE tells them off!   What's more, the ban does not consider smokers as second-rate citizens. Yet, I hear that there are indoor smoking areas in many EU countries such as Germany, UK, Austria, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian Countries, Hungary, Spain - the exceptions being Cyprus, Italy and France.   OK, here in Cyprus no one can smoke in any public place. You can only smoke at home or outside. I believe that the smoking ban shouldn't be amended.  I also believe that non-smokers shouldn't be forced to work in smoking areas or breathe in our smoke! To me  this is a crime.I also think that the Greeks and Greek Cypriots should follow the law.  The law does not only protect non-smokers from our bad habit, but it also helps us smokers to cut down - don't you think so?

Is there a smoking ban law in your country? How do you feel about it?

 

 

   

Comments

[Jeff]

There's no statewide ban in the USA. Smoking is restricted in certain public places, government buildings, childcare centers and health facilities, but restaurant owners can designate their spot a smoking facility or not.

California's landmark statewide smokefree law protects millions of Californians from secondhand smoke exposure. In January 1995, many of California's enclosed public places and workplaces went smokefree, and restaurants and bars went 100% smokefree in January 1998.

[Danaioq]

Smoking is harmful to health, we took a second-hand smoke, for our more harmful. I often see some people smoking in public, this problem still exists. I hate that.

[Lakis Ioannou]

I am a non smoker and was very glad about the smoking ban. Although the law has been implemented in most public places, it's completely ignored in clubs, music halls and many restaurants. What annoys me is that many restaurant owners have even replaced ashtrays with glasses of water and no one seems to be doing anything about it! So yes, I agree that amendments should be made.

[Christina]

Greece has imposed a nationwide smoking ban in all enclosed public places and private workplaces since september 2010. The ban has been completely ignored especially in restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes. Considering the severe financial crisis in Greec, the owners would rather risk paying a fine of € 1,300(if and when they are caught) rather than lose customers. In a democratic country, there are no ghettos, all citizens should have the same rights. Smokers are certainly not second-rate citizens. I also believe that non-smokers and children should be protected from second-hand smoking. The ideal solution would be to give restaurant owners the freedom to decide whether or not they'd include a smoking area in their business.

[Constantinos T]

Anastasia, I couldn't agree more with you. I do hope that you will reconsider and give up smoking completely. Smoking is definitely the worst habit a person can have since it seriously affects the health of others. I believe that the law needs to be amended both in Greece and Cyprus. It's as simple as that: sales of tobacco products should be banned.

[Constantinos T]

Christina, in many countries, smoking is banned in parks and public gardens - not just in enclosed public places!In a democratic country, everyone should have the right to breathe fresh air!

[Lisa A]

From 10 January 2005 the Italian government banned smoking in all indoor public places. A study here showed that heart attacks were went down and the 14 million Italians smokers were accept the law with no problem. The restaurant and club business were maybe affect by the crisis but not by the smoke ban. Also, the sales of cigarettes were gone down by 10%. I feel happy to live and work in a smokefree Italy. I hope the same happen in Cipro too.

[Andy]

Smoking is banned inside all airports, government offices, health clinics and workplaces in Australia. Restaurants and shopping centres in most states and territories are also smoke-free zones.
In Sydney, smoking is also banned on the world famous beaches of Manly and Bondi, among others.
In 2007 the city of Fremantle went a step further and banned smoking in all outside dining areas. Perth followed suit in August 2008 and it is expected that eventually all states will ban smoking in outside dining areas.

[Haruko N]

In Japan, we use hi-tech ventilators in all smoking public areas. In most public places including hospitals, there are smoking and non-smoking areas. And everyone is happy. I have never smoked but I can't figure out why full smoking ban is necessary. I don't like extremes, that's all. Many things in life are harmful - like gambling which affects in many cases the life of a whole family. But no one has ever thought of a gambling ban! I believe that all citizens on Earth should have rights and feel free.

[Anastasia]

I hope so too!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

[Stefania]

Although I smoke occasionally, I am for the full smoking ban in Cyprus. I think some amendments should be made in order to provide full protection to children and non smokers as many smokers ignore the ban.

[Jean-Paul Bouvier]

Qu'ils soient fumeurs ou non, les clients des cafés ont une opinion positive de l'interdiction de la cigarette.
Qu'ils soient d'un côté ou de l'autre du comptoir, les Français approuvent l'interdiction de fumer dans les cafés et tous les endroits publics, en vigueur depuis Janvier 2008. Les patrons de bars sont, eux aussi, globalement satisfaits (65 %). La loi est en effet jugée bénéfique pour la santé du personnel et a amélioré l'odeur et la propreté dans les établissements. Elle s'est par ailleurs appliquée facilement et est très bien respectée malgré quelques réactions.

En plus la vente du tabac n'est permise qu'aux bureaux de tabac. Seuls 1% des cafés et restaurants ont investi dans la création d'un fumoir clos et ventilé. Nombreux sont ceux qui ont préféré aménager leur terrasse en installant des bâches, des stores et des parasols chauffants.

[Christina]

Banning smoking in open-air public places is to me going to extremes and certainly exercising anti-democratic policies. Sure, everyone should have the right to breathe fresh air and I don't see why completely separate smoking and non-smoking areas are a problem! The essence of democracy says that every single person has the freedom to choose their life or death.

[Jafar Kapur.]

India has imposed a new ban on smoking in public spaces in October 2008, four years after a largely ignored earlier prohibition saw people continue to puff away in restaurants, clubs and bars. One in three Indians smokes some form of tobacco and a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2008 said one in every 10 deaths in India from 2010 would be smoking-related.
The government has made smoking a top issue, with Hollywood stars urged by the health minister to stub out their cigarettes, on-screen smoking forbidden and health workers telephoning residents in the capital offering help to quit. But the drive against smoking in public foundered. The problem was public spaces are a huge sphere, but there was no onus on the person in charge of the public place to implement the law!.

[Laura]

On July 1st 2007, England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England smokefree. A smokefree England ensures a healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from second-hand smoke.
Smoking in all indoor public places is banned. Many places - such as cinemas and public transport - have rarely permitted smoking in recent years, and now places like pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and private members' clubs will not be able to permit customers to smoke insideYou also can't smoke in offices or any workplace; except if you work by yourself. You can't smoke in a company vehicle that is used by several people; even if they are not in it at the time.

You're still allowed to light up outdoors, in the home or places considered to be 'homes', such as prisons, care homes and hotels which provide smoking rooms as well as in some bars with smoking facilities . You can also smoke in your own car, or a company vehicle that you alone drive. However, you could be prosecuted if you are caught smoking whilst driving for failing to have proper control of your vehicle.

[Mrkmakth]

In November 2006 the citizens of Arizona made their voices heard by passing the Smoke-Free Arizona Act A.R.S. This landmark statute prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places and places of employment.

[Katie White]

In January 2006, theWashington D.C. Council gave final approval to a broad ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places, voting 11 to 1 to add the nation's capital to a growing list of smoke-free cities and states. I don't smoke but I believe in the freedom to choose.

[Andreas]

Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world die from diseases caused by smoking cigarettes - Smoking KILLS. One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will occur in middle age. Tobacco smoke also contributes to a number of cancers. The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels. This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated. Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney and causes cancer. A 20-a-day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 g) of tar in a year. Changing to low-tar cigarettes does not help because smokers usually take deeper puffs and hold the smoke in for longer, dragging the tar deeper into their lungs. Carbon monoxide robs your muscles, brain and body tissue of oxygen, making your whole body and especially your heart work harder. Over time, your airways swell up and let less air into your lungs. Smoking causes disease and is a slow way to die. The strain of smoking effects on the body often causes years of suffering. Emphysema for example is an illness that slowly rots your lungs. People with emphysema often get bronchitis again and again, and suffer lung and heart failure. Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers. Heart disease and strokes are also more common among smokers than non-smokers. Smoking causes fat deposits to narrow and block blood vessels which leads to heart attack. Smoking causes around one in five deaths from heart disease. In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, spontaneous abortion, and perinatal mortality in humans, which has been referred to as the fetal tobacco syndrome.

There are many dangers of smoking to the body, to the immediate family, to the society, to the environment and to the economy. More than 700 chemical additives are found in cigarettes. Some of them are classified as toxic and are not allowed in food.Once lit, a cigarette reaches a temperature of nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat helps release thousands of chemical compounds, including poisons like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, at least 43 carcinogens, and numerous mutagens. All of these are drawn into the body when a smoker inhales.

One of the main dangers of smoking is due to Nicotine. Nicotine is found naturally in tobacco. It has no odor and no color. It is, however, both physically and psychologically addictive, and it causes those who use it to want to smoke one cigarette after another.Nicotine enters the body as tiny droplets resting on particles of tar in cigarette smoke. Inhaled into the lungs, the drug passes quickly into the bloodstream, reaching the brain within about 10 seconds. In another 5 to 10 seconds the nicotine has spread to all parts of the body.The nicotine raises both the heart rate and blood pressure. The smoker quickly feels more alert and relaxed. In less than 30 minutes, however, about half of the nicotine has left the bloodstream, and the smoker starts feeling less alert, more edgy.So he or she reaches for another cigarette to get a new “hit” of nicotine. Over time, the smoker starts needing more cigarettes throughout the day to satisfy the craving.
There are other dangers of smoking as well. The tar from tobacco smoke starts to accumulate on the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. The hot smoke burns the tiny hairlike projections (called cilia) that trap harmful particles before they enter the lungs.

One more of the dangers of smoking are Carbon monoxide. Smoking also increases the level of carbon monoxide in the lungs. This poisonous gas is quickly absorbed into the blood, reducing its capacity to carry oxygen.
As a result, the smoker has to exert more physical effort to attain a given task than does a nonsmoker. The heart in particular must work harder, particularly during rigorous exercise. Increased levels of carbon monoxide in the blood can impair vision, perception of time, and coordination.

[Constantinos T]

Christina, it's my belief that a democratic nation should provide for everyone's health. In Germany heart related diseases have decreased considerably since the smoking ban and thousands of lives were saved.

[Sophia]

I disagree with you, Anastasia. The full smoking ban in Cyprus or in any country, considers smokers as second-rate citizens. Also in Cyprus it seems that smokers tend to respect non-smokers' rights but the opposite doesn't happen. In a democratic country, there should be a place for everyone.

[Alexia M]

On July 1 2008, the Netherlands went smokeless. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and it is illegal to light up a cigarette in restaurants, bars, hotels, and coffee shops. But.... ironically the smoking ban does not apply to joints constructed solely of marijuana or pure cannabis! So sad!

Check this out

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2008/mar/28/europe_dutch_smoking_ban_will_no

[Anastasia]

Oh my! You've just given me the willies!

[Anastasia]

Sophia, what's the problem? I don't feel a second-rate citizen if I go outside to smoke! And yes! There is a place for everyone! Smokers should smoke outside. Don't forget that we're lucky to live in a country where we enjoy, in average, 300 days of sunshine a year!

[Anastasia]

This is beyond my ken , Alexia! How can a country allow drugs but not tobacco?

[Agnes]

We have a smoking ban here too. In restaurants, you can smoke on the patio or garden or whatever outdoor seating arrangement they have. Except, some health food restaurants don't allow it.

[Anastasia]

Same here, Agnes. No problem for me. Long before the full smoking ban in Cyprus, I decided that I'd never smoke indoors. Alkis may smoke the odd cigar but he never smokes at home. I don't want him to become a second-hand smoker, so I go outside to smoke.