Polish Puffers Smoked Out
A nationwide ban on smoking in public places was launched on Monday 15th November, with Poland following suit after EU countries such as Ireland, France, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom.
Here in Cracow, a city famed for its age-old cafe culture, there was some grumbling that the new measures were robbing the city of a certain character. Yet anti-smokers were equally assertive, and internet forums fumed with debates about the pros and cons. But as it turned out, the ban was introduced without incident.
Cracow Life dropped by one classic cafe earlier this week, and found the long-serving barman enjoying a puff outside on a bench:
"It suits me fine," he mused. "I'm still payed to sit outside smoking a cigarette. I'm smoking a bit less, which is better for my health, and I don't have to inhale other people's smoke inside.
"If people like to go to a cafes, they'll go regardless of whether you can smoke," he added.
Technically, bar-owners can offer a smoking room, provided that it is properly separated from the rest of the venue, and properly ventilated. However, 500 zloty fines (125 Euro) can be enforced for members of the public who break the law, 2000 (250 Euro) for business establishments.