Slovakia
Development of the law:
The smokefree legislation is currently under review (January 2009).
The Public Health Authority (UVZ) submitted to parliament a draft amendment to the law on protection of non-smokers. Inspired by legislation in Ireland, Italy, Norway, Malta, Great Britain and Sweden, the Slovak Health Ministry and the Public Health Authority elaborated a draft revision to the law on protection of non-smokers. The aim of the draft amendment is to improve conditions for protection of non-smokers in public places, chiefly through a ban on smoking in restaurants with an area exceeding 50 square metres. The authors of the draft hoped to restrict the choice of tobacco products by imposing a ban on the sale of cigarettes through vending machines and in food shops starting from 2008. Another goal of the regulations is to supervise more strictly the sale of tobacco products to persons aged under 18. Slovakia obliged itself to adapt regulations on smoking in public places to EU norms.
The current legislation prohibits smoking during all indoor meetings and conferences, in all hospitals, schools, cultural and sports premises, and on all forms of public transport. Smoking is also prohibited in all restaurants during main meals, with the exception of restaurants that have designated rooms for smokers.
Useful Links