Quit Smoking

English page on quit smoking. Except for the German text, I do have some interesting things for English-Speaking readers of this blog.





Comment: quit smoking protection: The health in focus
NRW will strengthen the quit smoking protection significantly.

For more than five years in England fought a quit smoking Protection Act and wrestled. This was necessary due to numerous German and European court decisions requiring that quit smoking are effectively protected against the effects of passive smoking in restaurants have. Brussels made pressure mainly from occupational safety and it has primarily in the health of the staff view.

The law currently in force, it was built in 2007, is tricky, especially the exemption for the corner bars and the so-called smoking clubs are considered to be gaps in the law that are legally questionable.

Should smoking be completely banned in restaurants?

The red-green ruled NRW has now taken the black and yellow ruled Bavaria for example, to clarify the situation. There, the people were allowed to vote on it and approve a ban without exceptions: So currently the already third Oktoberfest without smoke rises in the marquees. Those considered as structurally conservative Bavaria have accepted without great murmuring and adapted to the new conditions very quickly.

In NRW, the resistance of the SPD base is still large. Especially in the big cities, there is a fear of a massive dying pubs and protests by clubs that make their summer and want to continue shooting festivals fire release.

It will probably come down to a compromise: In traditional events and private parties in restaurants, smoking is allowed to remain. This brings the SPD party leadership against the wishes without offending the coalition partners. Finally, the Greens have with Barbara Steffens, a health minister, who has always campaigned for a sharp ban. With this solution, they should also be able to live as they do not lose it her face.

In the end, therefore a very far-reaching ban will stand. NRW, in doing so to an almost stunning development that has prevailed throughout Germany. It's not that long ago that smoking was considered cool and was recognized by society. That seems light years ago. Today it's about health. This is the much better way.