When will the smoking ban come into force in Romania?

The law that bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces has been published in the Official Gazette on Monday, February 1. The new anti-smoking rules will enter into force starting March 16. President Klaus Iohannis promulgated the law on January 29, two days after the Constitutional Court ruled that the law was constitutional. The new law bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces, with two exceptions: smoking is allowed in maximum security prison cells in and special rooms in transit areas within airports. It also prohibits the sale of tobacco products in private and state-owned health and education units. Those who don’t comply with the new rules risk fines of up to RON 500 (for individuals) and even RON 10,000 (for companies). The restaurants, bars, and clubs that break the rules also risk having their operating licenses suspended. The Chamber of Deputies approved the law that bans smoking in all public places on December 15 last year. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com