Look, if it works in New York City (and I was surprised when that happened; I was there for it!) and in Ireland (!!), I think it’ll work in Italy.

From what I’ve heard from the media, it will be effective – the fines are huge and the ban is really nation-wide

The no smoking ban in public, pubs, restaurants etc is being introduced in the UK in the next 22 months. Many are already non-smoking establishments. Has ruined the pub business in Southern Ireland.

quote:Has ruined the pub business in Southern Ireland.

Yeah, that’s where my wife is from. Many of the older patrons that are smokers are staying home, only coming out for special occasions. Especially when the weather is bad, and it IS after all, Ireland.

My friends are in Italy, and i am visiting them, and they have already begun to talk about the ‘smoking ban’. We only talk for a short time, cuz 7.9 cents/min is somewhat expensive to talk about nothing. But they say that there are signs everywhere and there is 100% no smoking in any restaurants or trains, and if you get caught, which they saw it happen to some tourist, they get hella fines and like a yelling to in italina… funny! Anyways, i live in Cali, and they are pretty strict here, so i am sure that it is nationwide, and not just including bars and whatnot, that it is a big crack down… My advice, dont even risk it, you’ll ruin your vacation! Just quit, or hold on until you move onto the next country.

I live in NY and many places do not allow you to smoke. However, many bars are risking it and allowing patrons to smoke and providing small paper cups as ashtrays. Is it true you can’t smoke outside in public in Italy. Or is it just in enclosed areas?

Anybody have some new info on this? Especially trains, there’s not even a little room of shame where smokers can be cattle-herded into for five minutes to blow one down? Thats gonna be a whole lottle irratible people.

Hi,
Ive just come back from Italy after living there for a year and the ban just came into effect.
At the start there will be fines but as I started to see the italian legal system is non very consistent plus almost everyone i knew smoked,so id put my money on about half a year and everyone will be smoking indoors again.

quote:
providing small paper cups as ashtrays.

wow

No one thought the ban would work in Ireland but a year later and it’s going strong, especially in urban areas.

It hasn’t ruined the pub business in Southern Ireland. Pubs have lost money over the last few years but that was going on before the ban and it’s as much or more to do with the high price of alcohol than smoking.

It’s been a huge topic of conversation for the last year and from the people I’ve spoken to most smokers (including me) don’t mind the ban at all because it’s a great way to meet people (standing outside for a cigarette) and there’s alot of fun on the streets. You also smoke less because you have to get up for a cigarette rather than sitting there chain smoking. In fact I’ve heard more complaints from non smokers who say they end up sitting inside minding the drinks and feel like they are missing out on something.

I haven’t been to Italy so I have no idea how it will work. I did hear one commentator say that he was dissappointed that the Irish gave in so easily and the ban has been easily enforced (which is true). Maybe the Italians will show more spirit.

I don’t know about it. because i am first time hearing.