Romania’s Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos has recently affirmed his support for the new law that bans smoking in all public places.

He said that the smoking ban was a good thing, especially because Romania was one of the last countries in the European Union where smoking was still allowed in public spaces.

“I hope that, together with the Government, we will make sure that this law will be applied as soon as the President promulgates it,” Ciolos said, cited by local Hotnews.ro.

He added that the new law was a sign of respect for the citizens, without affecting people’s individual choices.

The law, which has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies earlier this week, only needs President Klaus Iohannis’ approval to enter into force. It bans smoking in all enclosed spaces, as well as at the work places, in children’s playgrounds, healthcare and education units, ans also includes fines for those who don't respect the new rules.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com