se times
19/11/2010
Restrictions are a burden to some Serbs, a relief to others.
By Bojana Milovanovic for Southeast European Times in Belgrade -- 19/11/1019/11/2010
Restrictions are a burden to some Serbs, a relief to others.
By Bojana Milovanovic for Southeast European Times in Belgrade -- 19/11/1019/11/2010
Serbia adopted a law last May that bans smoking in public indoor spaces. In a country where more than a third of the population smokes -- and as many as 16,000 die annually of smoking-related illnesses -- implementation has proved controversial. Hospitality establishments petitioned against a full ban and won concessions. Cafes and restaurants are now exempt and can decide whether to operate as smoking or non-smoking facilities. If larger than 80 sq m, they can designate half the available space as a non-smoking section.
Other public buildings, such as banks, are allowed to have separate smoking rooms that must be clearly marked, with their capacity stated and a ventilation system installed.
Noncompliance leads to a 50 euro fine for individuals or a fine between 5,000 and 10,000 euros for legal entities. Among Serbian bloggers, the debate has been fierce. Critics of the ban say it is oppressive, while defenders say it offers protection against a dangerous health hazard.
"I absolutely respect the non-smokers' right not to inhale [second hand] smoke," writes Sale. "But I cannot understand why it is endangering their rights if all places labeled as non-smoking venues by the law have a smoking room?"
Alo bre takes the opposite view. "The stink, mold, toxins, lack of oxygen -- that is what a person has to suffer in a room with polluters. Now, all of a sudden, their rights are endangered? Up until now it was the rights of others that were endangered."
Other public buildings, such as banks, are allowed to have separate smoking rooms that must be clearly marked, with their capacity stated and a ventilation system installed.
Noncompliance leads to a 50 euro fine for individuals or a fine between 5,000 and 10,000 euros for legal entities. Among Serbian bloggers, the debate has been fierce. Critics of the ban say it is oppressive, while defenders say it offers protection against a dangerous health hazard.
"I absolutely respect the non-smokers' right not to inhale [second hand] smoke," writes Sale. "But I cannot understand why it is endangering their rights if all places labeled as non-smoking venues by the law have a smoking room?"
Alo bre takes the opposite view. "The stink, mold, toxins, lack of oxygen -- that is what a person has to suffer in a room with polluters. Now, all of a sudden, their rights are endangered? Up until now it was the rights of others that were endangered."
Writing at the daily Blic's forum, Siki suggests that it makes no logical sense to restrict smoking while permitting other habits that can cause even more harm.
"I think alcohol, rather than smoking should be banned, because I’ve never heard of anyone smoking ten cigarettes and then beating up their wife, but after ten glasses of brandy or beer, there are numerous cases," he writes.
Nenad is worried about the nervous state of smokers once they are unable to light a cigarette, during these stressful times. "People are getting increasingly hysterical and they [the government] are banning smoking. This will again backfire on them."
But most, like Perica, seem satisfied that the government is implementing the law. "Thank God, it has dawned on us non-smokers too. I've had it with going to a restaurant or a cafe and being poisoned by someone sitting at the next table, because it is [allegedly] their choice to smoke!"
This content was commissioned for SETimes.com.
"I think alcohol, rather than smoking should be banned, because I’ve never heard of anyone smoking ten cigarettes and then beating up their wife, but after ten glasses of brandy or beer, there are numerous cases," he writes.
Nenad is worried about the nervous state of smokers once they are unable to light a cigarette, during these stressful times. "People are getting increasingly hysterical and they [the government] are banning smoking. This will again backfire on them."
But most, like Perica, seem satisfied that the government is implementing the law. "Thank God, it has dawned on us non-smokers too. I've had it with going to a restaurant or a cafe and being poisoned by someone sitting at the next table, because it is [allegedly] their choice to smoke!"
This content was commissioned for SETimes.com.
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