The new law that bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces, which will enter into force next week, will not have a long-term impact on restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs in Romania, according to representatives of real estate consulting company Regatta Real Estate.

However, there will be some short-term changes in this sector. The restaurant, café, and club operators are now looking to find locations that also have gardens or patios, where their customers can smoke. Some operators are also looking to open cigar clubs, according to Regatta’s president Eduard Uzunov.

“The new law will cause some small problems because its implementing rules are very harsh. At first, there will be a shock and the consumption will be affected, but then the customers will get used to it,” said Uzunov.

Moreover, he thinks that the new rules will seriously affect only 5% of the restaurants and clubs in Romania. “The law will have a greater impact on bars and club than on restaurants. Customers come to the restaurant to eat, not to smoke,” Uzunov said.

The smoking ban in enclosed public spaces has led to a slight increase in demand for spaces with patios or gardens by restaurant, café, and bar operators. “These operators will have to offer adequate conditions to smokers – for example, the terraces will have to be equipped with heating systems for the winter season.”

The new law also increased the demand for spaces that would be turned into private cigars and cigarillos clubs, where people can only enter if they are members.

There are some five million smokers in Romania. At present, 17 of the 28 EU Member States ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces, public transport, and workplaces.

Study: 80% of urban Romanians agree with the smoking ban in public places.

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