Senate's health committee rejects changes to the smoking ban in Romania

The Senate’s health committee rejected on Tuesday the draft bill according to which smoking would have been allowed in special enclosed spaces, and in areas that don’t have walls all around, reports local Hotnews.ro. The project aimed to redefine the enclosed space as the space accessible to the public that has a roof, ceiling, and walls all around. Under the current law, smoking is forbidden in all public spaces that have a roof and minimum two walls. Moreover, according to the draft bill, smoking would be allowed in rooms especially designed to serve smoking and smoking-related activities such as drinking coffee, soft drinks, or hot drinks. Also, smokers could form special associations or clubs where smoking would be allowed. Despite the health committee's negative vote, the Senate will still vote on these amendments. If the project passes the Senate, it will also go to the Chamber of Deputies. Romania’s health minister opposes changes to smoking ban Romania may also ban smoking in cars with children Romanian MP wants to ban tobacco for all citizens born after January 1, 2017 Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com