Romanian authorities issue 800 fines for smoking in public spaces in one month

The Romanian authorities have issued 795 fines worth almost RON 187,000 (EUR 41,800) nationwide since a smoking ban in enclosed public spaces entered into force, on March 16. The local police have issued 1,043 warnings, according to a statement of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU). The authorities have also conducted 600 preventive actions, in the month that has passed since the law was enforced, to let people know about the new rules. They shared preventive information materials, and organized training for employees in various companies. Earlier this year, Romania’s Parliament voted a new law that bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces. The law was enforced on March 16. Besides bringing new rules, the law also came up with fines for those who break it. For example, the individuals who don’t comply with the law risk fines of up to RON 500 (some EUR 112), while companies can get fines of up to RON 15,000 (over EUR 3,300). Those who notice that somebody is breaking the law can call the nearest police station. IGSU recommends people to avoid using the 112 emergency number in such cases, as this line is exclusively dedicated to emergencies and life-threatening situations. According to IGSU, besides being dangerous for people’s health, smoking also causes fires. In the first three months of the year, 8% of the fires registered nationwide happened because the fire prevention rules related to smoking were not respected. Non-smoking Romania: A short guide to the new regulations on smoking in public places. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com