Working group calls for non-smoking policy for all Finnish restaurants

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A working group set up by Finland's Ministry for Social Affairs and Health has proposed further restrictions on smoking in restaurants. On Tuesday the team submitted its unanimous proposal to the Minister for Social Affairs and Health, Sinikka Mönkäre (SDP) and to Liisa Hyssälä (Centre), the Minister for Social Services.
      According to the proposal, smoking in restaurants and bars would be allowed only in separate smoking rooms, where no food or drinks may be taken.
     
The main concern in the issue is the health of restaurant personnel. Consequently, the proposed amendments aim at protecting restaurant workers who are exposed to tobacco smoke and its hazardous chemicals while on the job.
     
The new restrictions would apply to all restaurants, regardless of size. It would be up to the owners themselves to decide whether or not to build separate smoking rooms in their restaurants.
      In effect, the new restrictions would mean a total smoking ban in many restaurants, as not all entrepreneurs could build such separate compartments with special ventilation arrangements.
      Under the current legislation, it has not been possible to protect all restaurant workers from the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke while on the job.
      "Under the new restrictions, it would not be difficult to separate a restaurant's smoking and non-smoking sections any more. This is the current trend, and I believe that similar decisions will be made even elsewhere in Europe", says Minister Hyssälä.
     
The Ministry is to specify the technical requirements of a smoking room later on.
      "A smoking compartment is a closed room from where smoke goes out. It must not be circulated back to the restaurant. A special building permit is needed for such a room", says the working group's chairman Leo Suomaa of the Ministry for Social Affairs and Health.
      According to Jari Forss of the Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Association, the decision was difficult, but the restaurant sector is willing to take care of the occupational health and safety of its employees.
      Forss believes that the proposed changes can cause financial difficulties to many restaurant entrepreneurs, and some restaurants might not be able to continue in business.
      The proposal follows the example set by Sweden and Italy, where smoking in restaurants is allowed only in separate compartments. Ireland and Norway have adopted a non-smoking policy for all restaurants.
      However, the team notes that experiences from other countries indicate that the impact of smoking bans has not been as serious as anticipated. On the other hand, the number of smokers is reported to have decreased in those countries which have restricted smoking in restaurants.
      About 27% of all Finnish men are smokers, while the figure for women is only 20%.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Staff smoking bans in nearly half of Finnish hospital districts in 2005 (3.8.2004)
  Health organisations demand smoke-free restaurants (4.6.2004)

Links:
  Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Association FHR

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