European Union Forums

[Steven]

A law extending a smoking ban in Turkey to most enclosed areas -- including taxis, ferries and shopping malls – has come into effect.
As of midnight, outdoor smoking was also banned in locations such as stadiums and playgrounds. A ban on lighting up in bars, restaurants and coffeehouses will be implemented next year.
Smoking was already barred on buses and airplanes and in larger offices. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Islamic-rooted government expanded the ban to most enclosed places as part of an attempt to reduce smoking rates in the country and the effects of second-hand smoke.
I say well done for Turkey!

[Terry]

ohhhh, again the government interferes people's life, why can't they decide whether they need smoking or not

[Faw_Peter]

yes, terry, you're angry because you smoke. But I think every country must take its example. Turks are smart people

[Hardy]

I was visiting Istanbul in may and it was difficult to find a cafe or restaurant where people wouldn't smoke.
So creating a new law and making it work are very different things.

[Terry]

Really? hmm, I thought the Turkish government is responsible. Laws should not only be written, but also implemented. But I'm not very sad about this fact, if they want, let them smoke

[LION]

I agree with this law,we shouldn't be passive smokers!
Also,this law demonstrates that Turkey wants to adjust their laws with those of UE,good for them

[Faw_Peter]

actually, being a passive smoker (second hand smoker) is even worse than being a smoker. It affects the immunate system easily, especially if we are always among groups of people who smoke. People become vulnerable to flus and other diseases.

[Benn]

Did you know that recently (July 1) the Netherlands banned smoking too. This refers to cafes, restaurants and bars. However cafes are allowed to create a small seprate room for smokers.

[Steven]

that's interesting - they don't allow cigarettes but do allow marijuna, what is the point anyway?

[Faw_Peter]

I saw the news on TV. They said that one may smoke a cigarette only if it contains marijuana (or other light drugs allowed by the law). So it's becoming a paradox, I think it's gonna turn to a growth of the drug addicts number.

[Terry]

I noticed that more and more countries began to revise the problem of smoking. I'm afraid it's a kind of war against the smokers.

[Hakan G]

In fact, by banning smoking, Turkey is getting closer to European standards.
We all know what hard times tobacco companies and their products have in EU

[Benn]

it's enough for them to make millions of euros, while millions die due to smoking.

[M.Helen]

I agree with you guys. Do you think that through banning smoking Turkey's economy might get down due to cease of cigarettes trade within the country?

[Steven]

I don't think so. Turkey mostly imports ciggaretes from other countries. I don't know exactly if it has its own producers, but I haven't heard of Turkish ciggaretes.

[Karl.in.eu]

They smoke kalian instead.

[Terry]

They smoke kalian instead.

you shouldn't compare kolian to normal cigarettes. Kolian is no threat for one's health.

[willyoumind]

Oh, I think it's good and wise rules, as the Turkey citizens can save lots of money and having a healthier lifestyle...

By the way, our new country 2009 budget, which is just announced two days ago has already declared to raise the cigarattes price with more $0.30 per 20's pack!

[M.Helen]

"your new country budget"? Where is that? I wished it happened everywhere, since this would be a good incentive for people to give up smoking.

[willyoumind]

"your new country budget"? Where is that? I wished it happened everywhere, since this would be a good incentive for people to give up smoking.

Well, Helen. For your information, the Malaysian government will try their best to raise the cigaratte prices up in every annually budget. The government hope with this action, it will discourage the civilian to keep smoking!

[Steven]

what about cigarette producers? Aren't they striking the Government for that action?

[Karl.in.eu]

They shouldn't. Because it’s a matter of a persons’ health.

[Benn]

Well yeah, that would be nice, but, unfortunately everybody is concerned only about his bot. Cigarette producers have caused many problems to the humanity. Let them rest a little, since big profit has already been gained.

[Dionysos]

Such infringements upon personal liberty should be frowned upon. The government, supported by fundamentalist bullies, is succeeding in criminalizing a whole sector of society. What on earth will they do with all of the family hookahs???

[chris]

the thing is that more and more EU countries ban smoking in public places....eventually i think it will be a pan-european thing....as a passive smoker i love it...i have some sinus problems as well,and before it was a bit difficult to be in a pub full of smoke...now i have to say i enjoy my night out much better...it must be tough though on smokers....!!!!