Hungary bans smoking at public places

Hungarian parliament approved a proposal which bans smoking at public places.

Budapest: Hungarian parliament approved a proposal Tuesday which bans smoking at public places.

Of the 386-member parliament, 271 voted in favour of the proposal seeking protection of non-smokers, 37 were opposed and 14 abstained, reported Xinhua. The ban will come in force from January next year in all public institutions, on public transport vehicles, at stations, underground pedestrian passages and in playgrounds. However, people are allowed to smoke in open-air sections or garden terraces of restaurants and pubs. Hungarian State health authority will fine violators after a three-month grace period. Individuals smoking in forbidden areas will be fined up to 30000 forints (about $165). IANS