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Turkey to introduce smoking ban

Cigarettes - Turkish parliament approves smoking ban
Cigarettes - Turkish parliament approves smoking ban

Turkey's parliament has approved a sweeping ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.

The ban will be implemented in full 18 months after it is signed it into law.

The move comes after similar bans this week by France and Germany.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, known for his strong dislike of tobacco, had championed the ban.

Parliament endorsed the law by 240 votes for and just two against.

The ban will include cigars, pipes and the traditional water pipe, or nargile, a popular attraction for tourists.

Commentators say enforcing the new law could prove difficult in a nation long addicted to nicotine.

Turkey is both a major producer and consumer of tobacco.

One third of the 75m population smoke, consuming 115bn cigarettes per year. Two thirds of men and 11% of children in the country smoke.

Health campaigners say one in five deaths in Turkey is caused by tobacco-related illnesses.

As well as most enclosed public spaces, the ban will apply to some outdoor locations such as stadiums and the gardens of mosques and hospitals and to taxis and trains. Smoking is already banned on buses and planes.

The government resisted efforts by some lawmakers to water down the bill, for example quashing an attempt to allow bars and restaurants to retain restricted areas for smokers.

Those flouting the smoking ban will face a fine of 57 lira (€33). Owners of bars, cafes and restaurants where customers light up could be fined up to 5,000 lira (€3000).