The Chamber of Deputies’ committees voted against several amendments to the smoking ban in Romania, which had been previously approved by the Senate. The amendments were meant to change some parts of the law that entered into force in mid-March.

Smoking in public places was supposed to be allowed in special rooms, completely isolated and accurately labeled, as well as on outdoor patios set up for smoking. However, the Chamber of Deputies’ committees rejected this change, reports local Profit.ro. Thus, smoking will still be banned in all enclosed public spaces.

Moreover, the definition of the enclosed public space will also remain unchanged. Under the current law, smoking is forbidden in all public spaces that have a roof and minimum two walls. The amendment passed by the Senate but rejected by the Chamber of Deputies’ committee was allowing smoking in any area accessible to the public or destined for collective use, which has a roof or ceiling and is framed by walls all around, whatever their nature or temporary or permanent character, except for spaces destined to housing.”

Another amendment rejected by the Chamber of Deputies’ budget committee was aimed at banning smoking in personal cars, if there were also pregnant women and children aboard.

The amendments were added to a law that regulates more tightly the cigarette production, marketing, and sales in Romania. Cigarette producers have been opposing this law.

The Chamber of Deputies was supposed to give the final vote on the law on Tuesday, October 11, but the plenary session was suspended because there were not enough deputies present.

Health Minister Vlad Voiculescu was among those who were against these changes to the smoking ban. In early September, he said that the amendments represent an attack on the citizen’s health, and urged the MPs to reject them.

The minister pointed out that 42,000 Romanians die annually due to smoking, which is the equivalent of 200 plane crashes.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com