Portuguese parliament votes to introduce indoor smoking ban
Portugal is the latest country to have voted to introduce a smoking ban for all indoor public places following the introduction of new laws voted in by the country's parliament earlier this week.
Taking the lead from countries like France, Italy, Ireland and the constituent nations of the United Kingdom, Portugal will introduce heavy fines for people found smoking in a public area.
The Reuters news agency reports that violators could receive a €1,000 (£682) fine, while establishments could face a €2,500 penalty.
Restaurants and bars will be able to introduce smoking areas - but as in France and Italy, they will be subject to stringent restrictions.
The news provider quotes Luis Negrao, a doctor at Portugal's Cardiology Association, as saying: "The ban should decrease the number of deaths caused by smoking and will also reduce second hand smoking."
Last year, Iberian neighbour Spain introduced a smoking ban in place of work, while an advertising ban on tobacco was also extended to billboards, the BBC reported.
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