Romania's smoking ban to affect revenues on short term

The law which bans smoking in enclosed public spaces will lead to a 10% drop in the revenues of local restaurants, bars and clubs on the short term. However, sales will recover in about three months, said Dragos Petrescu, president of the Romanian Hotels and Restaurants Employers Federation, cited by local Digi24. Over 50% of the customers in bars and restaurants are smokers, and they spend 10% more compared to non-smokers, said Petrescu. Also, smokers spend more time in pubs, restaurants or bars, he added. The law which bans smoking in enclosed public spaces entered into force yesterday. It applies to all enclosed public spaces, except for high-security prisons. Non-smoking Romania: A short guide to the new regulations on smoking in public places. editor@romania-insider.com