Tighter restrictions planned on smoking in restaurants
Restaurants and tobacco industry oppose changes
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Reactions by different organisations to a proposed total ban on smoking in restaurants show a sharp split in attitudes.
Organisations and official bodies involved in public health work are in favour of a total ban on smoking in restaurants of all sizes, while employers in the restaurant business are against the proposal, fearing bankruptcies and increased unemployment.
Most who gave statements solicited by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health agreed that tobacco smoke in restaurants needs to be brought under control better than is now the case. The easiest way to monitor smokelessness in restaurants would be to impose a total ban.
Some of the statements call for setting up separate booths for smokers, where no drinks or food would be served. Others would allow customers to bring a drink into the smoking room.
Nearly all respondents agreed that the present situation, in which rules on smoking do not apply to licenced restaurants of less than 50 square metres, is not a good one. Enforcement of present regulations has also been seen to deteriorate since the present law on smoking took effect in 2000.
Municipalities have also come out in favour of smoke-free restaurants, or at least separate smoking rooms. Some were concerned about a possible litter problem that might arise if smokers have their cigarettes outside the restaurants.
The tobacco industry warns that legislative changes enacted in rapid sequence would be short-sighted, and could have unforeseeable consequences. They are also seen as unfair to restaurateurs who have recently made expensive investments in ventilation equipment to comply with present legislation.
The Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Association (SHR) opposes any changes to present legislation, but is in favour of tougher enforcement of existing laws. The association calculates that banning smoking in restaurants would lead to losses of 1,500 jobs in the business.
The association also notes that public opinion has little to do with the issue. "If customers would want smoke-free restaurants, businesses would offer them", SHR writes in its statement.
On the trade union side, the Service Union United (PAM) is in favour of tougher rules on smoking in restaurants, but wants an adequate transitional period for the changeover to smoke-free restaurants or the construction of smoking rooms.
PAM feels that the changes should be started in restaurants that have violated present rules, and in the restaurants of 50 square metres or less, where smoking is unrestricted.
Minister of Social Services Liisa Hyssälä (Centre) has promised to examine the statements in January, and to give her decision on further action as soon as possible.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 28.12.2004 - TODAY |
 Tighter restrictions planned on smoking in restaurants |
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